Control system for a terrain working vehicle having an operator protection appartus

ABSTRACT

Aspects hereof relate to a control system for a terrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus. In some aspects, the control system instructs and ceases an actuation of the operator protection apparatus to and between a raised position and a lowered position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 15/786,219, filed Oct. 17, 2017, and entitled“Lever-Actuated Operator Protection Apparatus” (the “219 Application”)and is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 16/601,274, filed Oct. 14, 2019, and entitled “Deployable OperatorProtection Apparatus with an Over-Center Linkage” (the “274Application”). The '219 Application is a continuation-in-part ofco-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/418,402, filed Jan. 27, 2017,and entitled “Operator Protection Apparatus with an Over-Center Linkage”(the “402 Application”). The '402 Application is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/041,718, filed Feb. 11, 2016, and also entitled“Operator Protection Apparatus with an Over-Center Linkage” (the “718Application”). The '718 Application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/115,868, filed Feb. 13, 2015, andentitled “Rollover Protection Apparatus with an Over-Center Mechanism.”The '274 Application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/415,630, filed Jan. 25, 2017, and entitled “Deployable OperatorProtection Apparatus With An Over-Center Linkage” (the “630Application”). The '630 Application is a continuation-in-part of the'718 Application and U.S. application Ser. No. 15/133,293, filed Apr.20, 2016, and entitled “Rollover Protection Apparatus” (the “293Application”). The '293 Application is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/540,708, filed Nov. 13, 2014, and entitled“Rollover Protection Apparatus” (the “708 Application”). The '708Application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/655,014,filed on Oct. 18, 2012, and entitled “Rollover Protection Apparatus”(the “014 Application”). The '014 Application is a continuation-in-partof U.S. application Ser. No. 12/945,277, filed Nov. 12, 2010, andentitled “Rollover Protection System” (the “277 Application”). The '277Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/281,059, filed on Nov. 12, 2009, and entitled “Rollover ProtectionSystem.” The contents of each of the aforementioned applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

Aspects provided relate to an operator protection apparatus forvehicles. More particularly, aspects herein relate to a lever-actuatedoperator protection apparatus that moves from a raised position to alowered position and is suitable for use on a number of vehicles,including terrain working vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Some operator or operator protection apparatuses for terrain workingvehicles may have a fold-down capability for avoiding overheadobstacles. Traditionally, foldable operator protection apparatuses haveincluded a lower portion in a fixed position and an upper portion thatis mounted to the lower portion. Further, many foldable operatorprotection apparatuses require that an operator physically rotate theupper portion between a raised and a lowered position, which may requirethat the operator leave the seating platform of the vehicle.Resultantly, efficiencies in the operation performed by the operator maybe reduced.

Additionally, previous foldable operator protection apparatuses haveused bulky securing devices to secure the upper portion in a raisedposition. Various securing devices, such as removable pins and the like,have been employed to secure upper portions in a raised position.Further, as can be appreciated, removable securing devices may be lostor misplaced, further decreasing efficiencies of the operator duringoperations.

SUMMARY

Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus that can belowered and raised to a locked position using at least one over-centerlinkage. The operator protection apparatus includes a lower portion andan upper portion that is movable relative to the lower portion. Theupper portion may be coupled to the lower portion with one or more hingejoints. Additionally, the at least one over-center linkage may bepivotably coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion. In someaspects, the over-center linkage includes a lower link assembly and anupper link assembly coupled at a center pivot joint. Additionally, theover-center linkage may be configured to move between the lockedposition and an unlocked position. When the over-center linkage is inthe locked position, the over-center linkage may retain the upperportion in the raised position. Further, the apparatus may include anactuator coupled to the over-center linkage for moving the apparatusbetween the locked and/or raised position and the unlocked and/or orlowered position.

Additional aspects hereof relate to a lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus. The lever-actuated operator protection apparatus includes alower portion, an upper portion, and a hinge joint, which may couple thelower portion and the upper portion such that the upper portion ismovable relative to the lower portion. Additionally, the lever-actuatedoperator protection apparatus includes a lever (e.g., a hand lever)having a first end coupled with the operator protection apparatus. Thelever also includes a second end that is positioned forward of the hingejoint, when the upper portion is in a raised position.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a riding mower having an operator protection apparatusaffixed thereto in a raised position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an operator protection apparatushaving an over-center linkage in a raised position, in accordance withaspects hereof;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the operator protection apparatus of FIG.2 in the raised position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the operator protection apparatus of FIG.2 in a top dead center position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the operator protection apparatusof FIG. 2 in a lowered position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary powered actuator, inaccordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary electric-hydraulicactuator, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary electric actuator, inaccordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an mechanical actuator, inaccordance with aspects hereof:

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an operator protection apparatushaving two over-center linkages in a raised position, in accordance withaspects hereof;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective of the operator protection apparatus ofFIG. 10 in a lowered position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an operator protection apparatuswith an assist in a raised position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 13 depicts an alternative perspective view of an operatorprotection apparatus in a raised position, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 13 depicts an alternative perspective view of an operatorprotection apparatus in a raised position, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 14 depicts an alternative perspective view of an operatorprotection apparatus in a raised position, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 15 depicts a riding mower having an operator protection apparatusaffixed thereto in a raised position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the operator protection apparatusof FIG. 15 in a raised position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the operator protection apparatusof FIG. 15 in a lowered position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 18 depicts a riding mower having an alternative operator protectionapparatus affixed thereto in a raised position, in accordance withaspects hereof;

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of a terrain working vehicle with alever-actuated operator protection apparatus, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus of FIG. 19, in a raised position, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of the lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus of FIGS. 19 and 20, in a lowered position, in accordance withaspects hereof;

FIG. 22 depicts a side view of the terrain working vehicle with thelever-actuated operator protection apparatus of FIG. 19, in the loweredposition, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus of FIGS. 19-22, in the raised position, inaccordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 24 depicts a close-up side view of the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus depicted in FIG. 23, the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus having a latching mechanism, in an engagedposition, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 25 depicts a close-up side view of the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus of FIG. 24, having the latching mechanism, in adisengaged position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 26 depicts an alternative perspective view of additional aspects ofthe lever-actuated operator protection apparatus, in the loweredposition, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 27 is a system diagram of components of a control system for aterrain working vehicle with an operator protection apparatus, inaccordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 28 depicts a riding mower having an operator protection apparatusin a raised position and including a control system for controlling oneor more operations of the riding mower, in accordance with aspectshereof;

FIG. 29 depicts the riding mower of FIG. 28 with the operator protectionapparatus in a lowered position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of a logic used by a control system forcontrolling one or more operations of a terrain working vehicle with anoperator protection apparatus, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram of a method for controlling one or moreoperations of a terrain working vehicle having an operator protectionapparatus, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram of additional steps of the method forcontrolling one or more operations of a terrain working vehicle havingan operator protection apparatus, in accordance with aspects hereof; and

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of a computing device of a control system forcontrolling one or more operations of a terrain working vehicle with anoperator protection apparatus, in accordance with aspects hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is describedwith specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject mattermight also be embodied in other ways, to include different features orcombinations of features similar to the ones described in this document,in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Further, itshould be appreciated that the figures do not necessarily represent anall-inclusive representation of the embodiments herein and may havevarious components hidden to aid in the written description thereof.

Aspects hereof relate to an operator protection apparatus that can beraised and lowered by an operator in a seated position, for example, ona riding mower. Additionally, the operator protection apparatus may lockin the raised position. The movement and locking may be facilitated byan over-center linkage. For example, when an operator raises an upperportion of the operator protection apparatus, a center pivot joint ofthe over-center linkage may be configured to move to a position past acenterline defined as extending between pivots points at opposing endsof the linkage. Accordingly, a mechanical force is then required toovercome the lock and allow the operator protection apparatus to returnto a lowered position.

As a result, an operator may lower the upper portion of the operatorprotection apparatus, for example to avoid an obstacle, without stoppingoperation or leaving an operator seat of the vehicle. As can beappreciated, the convenience and ease of use of the operator protectionapparatuses described herein may be conducive to improving the frequencyof use of the operator protection apparatus. Further, the over-centerlinkage may provide a securing device that remains attached to theoperator protection apparatus. Accordingly, the operator protectionapparatuses provided herein may be secured in the raised and/or lockedposition using a securing device without loose parts. As a result, theapparatuses provided herein may eliminate the need for removablesecuring mechanisms, which if detached and misplaced, may causeinefficiencies during the operation of a vehicle associated with theoperator protection apparatus.

A first exemplary embodiment provides for an operator protectionapparatus, the apparatus comprising a lower portion and an upperportion. The lower portion may have a first end and a second end and theupper portion may also have a first end and a second end. The apparatusmay also include at least one hinge joint (e.g., pivot) coupling thelower portion second end to the upper portion first end such that theupper portion is movable relative to the lower portion. Stateddifferently, the upper portion may be pivotably coupled with the lowerportion. Further, in some aspects, the apparatus comprises at least oneover-center linkage effective to lock the upper portion in a setposition (e.g., raised) relative to the lower portion. The over-centerlinkage comprises a lower link assembly having a first end and a secondend, the first end is pivotably coupled to the lower portion at a lowerpivot joint. The over-center linkage further comprises an upper linkassembly having a first end and a second end, the upper link assemblyfirst end is pivotably coupled to the lower link assembly second endforming a center pivot joint, and the upper link assembly second end ispivotably coupled with the upper portion at an upper pivot joint.Accordingly, the over-center linkage is in a locked position when thecenter pivot joint is on a first side of a line extending between thelower pivot joint and the upper pivot joint and the center pivot jointis in an unlocked position on a second side of the line. The apparatusmay also include at least one actuator coupled to the over-centerlinkage.

A second exemplary embodiment provides for an operator protectionapparatus for a terrain working vehicle. The operator protectionapparatus may comprise a lower portion having a first end and a secondend, wherein the first end is affixed to a frame of the terrain workingvehicle; an upper portion having a first end and a second end; and atleast one hinge joint coupling the lower portion second end to the upperportion first end such that the upper portion is movable relative to thelower portion. The operator protection apparatus may include at leastone over-center linkage, the at least one over-center linkagecomprising: a lower link assembly having a first end and a second end,the first end pivotably coupled to the lower portion at a lower pivotjoint; an upper link assembly having a first end and a second end, theupper link assembly first end pivotably coupled to the lower linkassembly second end forming a center pivot joint, and the upper linkassembly second end pivotably coupled with the upper portion at an upperpivot joint. In one aspect, the over-center linkage is in a lockedposition when the center pivot joint is on a first side of a lineextending between the lower pivot joint and the upper pivot joint andthe center pivot joint is in an unlocked position on a second side ofthe line. The operator protection apparatus may also include at leastone actuator coupled to the over-center linkage.

Yet another exemplary embodiment provides for a riding mower having anoperator protection apparatus. The riding mower may comprise a frame; amower deck coupled to the frame; and an operator protection apparatus.The apparatus may comprise: a lower portion comprising a first lowerportion upright having a first upright first end and a first uprightsecond end, and a second lower portion upright having a second uprightfirst end and a second upright second end. The apparatus mayadditionally comprise an upper portion comprising a first upper portionmember having a first member first end and a first member second end, asecond upper portion member having a second member first end and asecond member second end, and a transverse member disposed between thefirst member second end and the second member second end. The apparatusmay also include a pair of hinge joints coupling the first uprightsecond end to the first member first end and the second upright secondend to the second member first end such that the upper portion ismovable relative to the lower portion. Further, the apparatus comprisesa first over-center linkage, the first over-center linkage comprising: afirst lower link assembly having a first lower link first end and afirst lower link second end, wherein the first lower link first end ispivotably coupled to the first lower portion upright at a first lowerlink pivot joint; a first upper link assembly having a first upper linkfirst end and a first upper link second end, wherein the first upperlink assembly first end is pivotably coupled to the first lower linkassembly second end at a first center pivot joint. In one aspect, thefirst over-center linkage is in a locked position when the first centerpivot joint is on a first side of a first line extending between thefirst lower link pivot joint and the first upper link pivot joint, andthe first over-center linkage is in an unlocked position when the firstcenter pivot joint is on a second side of the first line. The operatorprotection apparatus may also include a first actuator coupled to thefirst over-center linkage at a first actuator-over-center pivot jointand coupled to the first lower portion upright at a firstactuator-upright pivot joint for moving the upper portion between lockedposition and the unlocked position. The riding mower may also include acontroller for controlling one or more operations of the riding mower;and one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the controller.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary aspect of an operator protection apparatus100 mounted on a riding mower 190, in accordance with aspects hereof. Insome aspects, the riding mower may include a mower deck 191 coupled tothe frame 192 and a controller 198. The riding mower 190 may alsocomprise a frame 192 having a frame first end 194 and a frame second end196. In one aspect herein, a horizontal line 1-1 extending from theframe first end 194 to the frame second end 196 defines a horizontalplane, which may be referred to herein in order to describe locationsand positions of various components of the operator protectionapparatuses described herein. The mower 190 of FIG. 1 is exemplary innature. It is contemplated that the operator protection apparatus ofprovided herein may be associated with any vehicle having an occupant.Nonlimiting examples of vehicles with which the operator protectionapparatus may be associated include terrain working vehicles, lawntractors, UTVs, ATVs, compact tractors, and loaders.

The operator protection apparatus 100 may include a lower portion 102and an upper portion 110. In some aspects, the lower portion 102 maycomprise a pair of mirror-image lower portion 102 uprights. Accordingly,the lower portion 102 may be described herein as comprising the pair oflower portion 102 uprights. The lower portion 102 may be affixed to orintegrally formed with a frame of any number of vehicles. Similarly, theupper portion 110 may include a pair of mirror-image upper portionmembers and a transverse member affixed between the upper portionmembers. Accordingly, the upper portion 110 may be described herein ascomprising the upper portion members and the transverse member. However,as will be provided hereinafter, alternative configurations arecontemplated while achieving the aspects provided for the operatorprotection apparatus 100.

Further, the operator protection apparatus 100 may comprise at least onehinge joint 120 for coupling the lower portion 102 to the upper portion110 and at least one over-center linkage 140. The over-center linkage140 may be pivotably coupled to the lower portion 102 and the upperportion 110. Further, the over-center linkage 140 may be movable betweena locked and an unlocked position. In one example, when in the lockedposition, the over-center linkage 140 may provide a mechanical stop toprevent back-driving of the operator protection apparatus 100, in orderto keep the operator protection apparatus 100 in a raised position.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the operatorprotection apparatus 100 having at least one over-center linkage 140, inaccordance with aspects hereof. The operator protection apparatus 100may include a lower portion 102 and an upper portion 110. Additionally,the operator protection apparatus 100 may include at least oneover-center linkage 140. In some aspects, the over-center linkage 140may include a lower link assembly 142 pivotably coupled to the lowerportion 102 at a lower pivot joint 148. Further, the over-center linkage140 may include an upper link assembly 150 pivotably coupled to thelower link assembly 142 at a center pivot joint 156. Additionally, theupper link assembly 150 may be pivotably coupled with the upper portion110 at an upper pivot joint 158. Any of the links, members, or otherelements may be adjustable in orientation and/or length to achieveaspects provided herein. For example, the upper link assembly 150 may bean opposing threaded screw link allowing for a rotational movement toadjust the length of the link.

Further, the operator protection apparatus 100 may include a stop lug155 for limiting movement of the over-center linkage 140 beyond thelocked position. In one aspect, the stop lug 155 may be affixed to thelower portion 102 (for example via a bracket) such that the lower linkassembly 142 contacts the stop lug 155 when the over-center linkage 140is in the locked position. In other aspects, the stop lug 155 may beaffixed to the upper portion 110. The stop lug 155 is one example of amechanism for limiting movement of the over-center linkage 140 beyondthe locked position. Other structures and mechanisms for limitingmovement of the over-center linkage 140 may also be employed. In anadditional aspect, the stop lug 155, or other stopping mechanism, may beassociated with the over-center linkage 140. For example, the stop lug155 may be affixed to the over-center linkage 140 such that the stop lug155 contacts the surface of the lower portion 102 and/or the upperportion 110. Additionally, one or more pivot joints associated with theover-center linkage 140 (for example, lower pivot joint 148, upper pivotjoint 158, and center pivot joint 156) may be limited pivot joints, suchthat the joints include a limiter for limiting rotation past the lockedposition.

Additionally, the operator protection apparatus 100 may include at leastone actuator 122 coupled to the over-center linkage 140. The actuator122 may generally operate to articulate the over-center linkage 140between the locked position and the unlocked positon. In some aspects,once the actuator 122 has moved the over-center linkage 140 to theunlocked position, the actuator 122 may provide a force required to movethe upper portion 110 to the lowered position and return the upperportion 110 to the a raised and/or locked position. Although shown hereas a hand lever 124, the actuator 122 may be a powered actuator, such asan electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical actuator. Severalexamples of actuators are described below, however any suitablemechanism for performing the actuation is considered within the scope ofthis disclosure.

Additionally, the apparatus may comprise at least one securing device130 associated with the over-center linkage 140 and permanently affixedto the apparatus. In one aspect, the securing device 130 may include aprojection for engaging a securing device engagement aperture 121 of thehand lever 124. In one example, the projection may be spring-loaded,such that when the projection is aligned with a securing deviceengagement aperture 121, the hand lever 124 is secured. Further, thesecuring device 130 may include a sensor for detecting an engagement ofthe securing device 130. In some aspects, the sensor may be integratedwith the securing device 130, or may be associated with the securingdevice 130. Any number of securing devices may be suitable for securingthe actuator 122. At a high level, the securing device 130 retains theactuator 122, such that the actuator 122 ensures the over-center linkage140 remains in the locked position.

In one aspect, the operator protection apparatus 100 includes a positionsensor 170. The position sensor 170 may be configured to detect one ormore positions of the operator protection apparatus 100. For example,the sensor may be configured to detect when the operator protectionapparatus 100 is in a locked position. In additional aspects, theposition sensor 170 may be detect when the operator protection apparatus100 is in the raised position, but is not in the locked position. In oneaspect, a position sensor 170 may include a projection that is depressedwhen the over-center linkage 140 is in the locked position. Further, insome aspects of the position sensor 170 may be configured to communicatethe one or more positions, for example to a controller 198 (described inmore detail below). Accordingly, a time that the operator protectionapparatus 100 is in each position of the one or more positions may bedetermined using the sensed information detected by the position sensor170.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower portion 102 may comprise a lower portionfirst end 104 and a lower portion second end 106. The lower portionfirst end 104 may be welded to (or fastened using any number of means),or may be integrally formed with a frame of a vehicle. Accordingly, theterm “end,” as used herein, does not necessarily indicate a point atwhich a given component terminates. For example, the lower portion firstend 104 may be contiguous with the frame of the vehicle. The upperportion 110 may include an upper portion first end 112 and an upperportion second end 114. The operator protection apparatus 100 may alsoinclude at least one hinge joint 120, as described above. In one aspect,the at least one hinge joint 120 may couple the lower portion second end106 to the upper portion first end 112, such that the upper portion 110is movable relative to the lower portion 102.

The over-center linkage 140 may include the lower link assembly 142having a lower link first end 144 and a lower link second end 146. Thelower link first end may be pivotably coupled to the lower portion 102at the lower pivot joint 148. Further, the over-center linkage 140 mayinclude an upper link assembly 150 having an upper link first end 152and an upper link second end 154. The upper link first end 152 may bepivotably coupled to the lower link second end 146 to form a centerpivot joint 156. Additionally, the upper link assembly second end may bepivotably coupled with the upper portion 110 at an upper pivot joint158.

Turning now to more particular aspects, the over-center linkage 140 mayinclude a centerline 2-1 extending between the lower pivot joint 148 andthe upper pivot joint 158. The centerline 2-1 may include a first side2A and a second side 2B. The over-center linkage 140 may be in a lockedposition when the center pivot joint 156 is on the first side 2-1 ofcenterline 2-1. Accordingly, the over-center linkage 140 may be in anunlocked position (as shown in FIG. 5) when the center pivot joint 156is on the second side 2B of the centerline 2-1. As can be appreciated,in alternative configurations the over-center linkage 140 may beoriented and positioned such that the over-center linkage 140 isconfigured to be in the locked position in a variety of directions. Suchalternative configurations are considered within the scope of thisdisclosure.

Further, when the over-center linkage 140 is in the locked position, theover-center linkage 140 may provide a mechanical stop to preventback-driving of the mechanism. In some aspects, the movement of thecenter pivot joint 156 in the direction of the first side may belimited, for example, such by the stop lug 155. In other aspects, thecenter pivot joint 156 may be limited by the lower portion 102 and theupper portion 110, or by a center pivot joint 156 that limits rotationin the direction of the first side.

The operator protection apparatus 100 may be described as having amidline 3-1. The midline 3-1 of the operator protection apparatus 100may have a first midline line segment 3-2 extending from the lowerportion first end 104 to the hinge joint 120 and a second midline linesegment 3-3 extending from the hinge joint 120 to the upper portionsecond end 114. Accordingly, the midline 3-1 may define a midline firstside 3A and a midline second side 3B. Further, a lower portion ray 4-1may extend from the lower portion first end 104 through the hinge joint120. Said another way, the lower portion ray 4-1 may be an extension offirst midline line segment 3-2. Further, the lower portion ray 4-1 mayhave a lower portion ray first side 4A and a lower portion ray secondside 4B. Accordingly, the operator protection apparatus 100 may bedescribed as having first side 116 and a second side 118 opposite thefront side 116. The first side 116 of the operator protection apparatus100 may be oriented in the same direction as midline first side 3A, andthe second side 118 may be oriented in the same direction as midlinesecond side 3B.

In some aspects, the operator protection apparatus 100 may include astop 134 associated with at least one of the upper portion 110 and thelower portion 102. The stop 134 limits a range of motion of the upperportion 110 in a radial direction toward the lower portion ray firstside 4A. The stop 134 may be affixed to the operator protectionapparatus 100 first side 118 proximate the upper portion second end 114,and extend, at least in part, beyond the upper portion second end 114.Accordingly, when the operator protection apparatus 100 is in a lockedposition, the upper portion may contact the stop 134. In some aspects,the stop 134 may include a bumper 136. The bumper 136 may be anysuitable material for dampening contact forces with the stop 134, suchas a polymer based material. Further, because the range of motion of theupper portion 110 is limited, a range of motion of the center pivotjoint 156 of the over-center linkage 140 may also be limited, forexample, by coming in contact with the lower portion 102 and/or theupper portion 110. Additionally, as discussed hereinabove, the stop lug155, or other mechanism, may limit movement of the over-center linkage140 beyond the locked position.

In some aspects, the lower link assembly 142 may be coupled to the lowerportion 102 by a lower portion bracket 160 and the upper link assembly150 may be coupled to the upper portion 110 by an upper portion bracket162. The lower portion bracket 160 and upper portion bracket 162 may bewelded (or fastened using any number of means), or may be integrallyformed with the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 102. In someaspects, the lower portion bracket 160 and upper portion bracket 162 mayeach be offset from the lower portion 102 and the upper portion 110. Forexample, each of the lower portion bracket 160 and the upper portionbracket 162 may extend outwardly from the second side 118 of theoperator protection apparatus 100. In some aspects, the lower portionbracket 160 may extend further outward from the second side 118 than theupper portion bracket 162. As a result, the lower pivot joint 148 may bepositioned on the lower portion ray second side 4B and the upper pivotjoint 158 may be positioned (at least in part) on the lower portion rayfirst side 4A. Accordingly, the over-center linkage 140 may provide amechanical advantage for retaining the operator protection apparatus 100in a locked position, in that the center pivot joint 156 is biasedtoward the lower portion ray 4-1 when the operator protection apparatus100 is in a raised and/or locked position.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the over-center linkage 140 is shown in a topdead center position, in accordance with aspects hereof. The centerpivot joint 156 may be positioned directly along centerline 2-1 when inthe top dead center position. Said another way, the center pivot joint156 is neither on the first side 2A, nor on the second side 2B of thecenterline 2-1 when in the top dead center position. Accordingly, FIG. 4depicts a break over point, or a point at which the over-center linkage140 is no longer in the locked position. In one example, the over-centerlinkage may be moved to this position by the actuator 122, whichsupplies the force required to overcome the lock provided by theover-center linkage 140.

FIG. 5 depicts the operator protection apparatus 100 in a loweredposition. As shown, the over-center linkage 140 is in the unlockedposition, in that the center pivot joint 156 is on the second side 2B ofthe centerline 2-1. Additionally, the upper portion 110 is positioned onthe lower portion ray second side 4B of lower portion ray 4-1. Asdescribed above, in one aspect, the actuator 122 comprises the handlever 124. The hand lever 124 may include a hand lever pivot joint 123coupled to a hand-lever actuator linkage 126 that extends from the handlever 124 to an actuator-over-center pivot joint 145. Accordingly, ahand lever lower portion 125 may extend from a actuator-lower portionpivot joint 166 to the hand lever pivot joint 123. In some aspects, thehand lever 124 includes a trigger 131 that is configured to disengagethe securing device 130, thereby allowing the operator protectionapparatus 100 to be lowered.

As mentioned above, any number of suitable actuators 340 may be employedin place of or in conjunction with the hand lever 124. For example, asdepicted in FIG. 6, the actuator 122 may comprise a powered actuator240, such as a hydraulic actuator 180. The operator protection apparatus100 may be associated with a vehicle equipped with a hydraulic system.In one aspect, the hydraulic actuator may be powered by the hydraulicsystem of the vehicle. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the actuator122 may be an electric-hydraulic actuator 182. For example, theelectric-hydraulic actuator may include an electric motor 183 that turnsa pump 184. The electric-hydraulic actuator 182 may include a switchthat turns the motor 183 on and off and controls the direction of themotor 183. The direction in which the motor 183 turns may determinewhether a cylinder 181 of the actuator is extended for retracted. Forexample, when the motor 183 turns in a first direction, the pump 184pumps fluid such that the cylinder 181 is extended. Accordingly, whenthe motor 183 turns in a second direction, opposite of the firstdirection, the fluid is pumped in an opposite direction such that thecylinder 181 is retracted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, an electric-linear actuator 186 may beimplemented. The electric-linear actuator 186 may include a motor 183that turns a gear reduction set, which turns a screw thread.Accordingly, the cylinder 181 extends and retracts based on whichdirection the motor 183 turns. In an additional aspect, as shown in FIG.9, the actuator may include a mechanical linkage 188. In one example,the mechanical linkage 188 may be connected to a foot pedal 128 (shownin FIG. 1) by a cable 187. The foot pedal 128 may have a first side anda second side that rotate about a pivot such that both sides of the footpedal 128 may be depressed by an operator. In one aspect, when the firstside of the pedal 128 is pushed the cable 187 may be extended, therebyurging the mechanical linkage 188 in a direction that disengages theover-center linkage 140. Accordingly, when the second side of the footpedal 128 is depressed, the cable 187 may be retracted, thereby causingthe mechanical linkage 188 to pull the over-center linkage 140 towardthe raised position.

Turning now to FIG. 10, in another exemplary embodiment, an operatorprotection apparatus 200 having two over-center linkages is depicted.The operator protection apparatus 200 may include a lower portion 201comprising a first lower portion upright 201 and a second lower portionupright 202. The first lower portion upright 201 may have a firstupright first end 203 and a first upright second end 205. The secondlower portion upright 202 may have a second upright first end 204 and asecond upright second end 206. In one aspect, the first upright firstend 203 and the second upright first end 204 may be affixed to a frameof a terrain working vehicle, for example, a riding mower.

Additionally, the upper portion 210 may comprise a first upper portionmember 211 and a second upper portion member 212. The first upperportion member 211 may have a first member first end 213 and a firstmember second end 215. The second upper portion member 212 may have asecond member first end 214 and a second member second end 216. Further,the upper portion 210 may comprise a transverse member 217 disposedbetween the first member second end 215 and the second member second end216. While the first upper portion member 211 and the second upperportion member 212 are discussed as distinct members, it is contemplatedthat they form a continuous and contiguous assembly as a commoncomponent or assembly. Further, the operator protection apparatus mayhave a pair of hinge joints 120 coupling the first upright second end205 to the first member first end 213 and the second upright second end206 to the second member first end 214, such that the upper portion 210is movable relative to the lower portion 201.

Additionally, in some aspects, the operator protection apparatus 200 mayinclude a first over-center linkage 220. The first over-center linkage220 may comprise a first lower link assembly 221 having a first lowerlink first end 222 and a first lower link second end 223. The firstlower link first end 222 may be pivotably coupled to the first lowerportion upright 201 at a first lower link pivot joint 224. The firstover-center linkage 220 may also comprise a first upper link assembly225 having a first upper link first end 226 and a first upper linksecond end 227. The first upper link assembly 225 first end may bepivotably coupled to the first lower link second end 223 at a firstcenter pivot joint 228. Further, the first upper link second end 227 maybe pivotably coupled to the first upper portion member 211 at a firstupper pivot joint 229.

Further, in some aspects, the operator protection apparatus 200comprises a second over-center linkage 230. The second over-centerlinkage 230 may comprise a second lower link assembly 231 having asecond lower link first end 232 and a second lower link second end 233.The second lower link first end 232 may be pivotably coupled to thesecond lower portion upright 202 at a second lower link pivot joint 234.The second over-center linkage 230 may also comprise a second upper linkassembly 235 having a second upper link first end 236 and a second upperlink second end 237. The second upper link assembly 235 first end may bepivotably coupled to the second lower link second end 233 at a secondcenter pivot joint 238. Further, the second upper link second end 237may be pivotably coupled with the second upper portion member 212 at asecond upper pivot joint 239.

Similar to the over-center linkage 140 described hereinabove, the firstover-center linkage 220 may be in a locked position when the firstcenter pivot joint 228 is on a first centerline first side 200A of afirst centerline 200-1 extending between the first lower link pivotjoint 224 and the first upper link pivot joint 229. Accordingly, thesecond over-center linkage 230 may be in a locked position when thesecond center pivot joint 238 is on a second centerline first side 210Aof a second centerline 210-1 extending between the second lower linkpivot joint 234 and the second upper pivot joint 239.

In one aspect, the operator protection apparatus 200 comprises a firstactuator 240 for moving the first over-center linkage 220 between thelocked position and an unlocked positon. The first actuator 240 may becoupled to the first over-center linkage 220 at a firstactuator-over-center pivot joint 242 and coupled to the lower portion201 of the upright at a first actuator-upright pivot joint 244. In someaspects, the apparatus includes a torque tube 250 (which may be referredto as a rod) affixed between the over-center linkages 220 and 230. Thetorque tube 250 may transfer the rotational force supplied by theactuator 240 from the first over-center linkage 220 to the secondover-center linkage 230. As a result, the second over-center linkage 230may be moved from the locked position to the unlocked positionsimultaneously with the first over-center linkage 220.

FIG. 11 depicts the operator protection apparatus 200 and anunlocked/lowered position, in accordance with aspects hereof. The firstover-center linkage 220 may be in the unlocked position when the firstcenter pivot joint 228 on a first centerline second side 200B of thefirst centerline 200-1. Accordingly, the second over-center linkage 230is in the unlocked position when the second center pivot joint 238 on asecond centerline second side 210B of the second centerline 210-1.

Turning now to FIG. 12, in one aspect, the operator protection apparatus200 may comprise a gas cylinder 245 coupled to the second over-centerlinkage 230 at a second actuator-over-center pivot joint 246 and coupledto the second lower portion upright 202 at a second actuator-uprightpivot joint 248, in accordance with aspects hereof. The gas cylinder 245may function as a biasing mechanism or an assist for retaining thesecond over-center linkage 230 in the locked position. Additionally, thegas cylinder 245 may support and/or compensate for the weight of theupper portion 210 as the upper portion 210 rotates from the raisedposition to the lowered position. Although shown as a gas cylinder 245in FIG. 12, other suitable mechanisms (e.g., coil spring, torsionspring, torsion bar) are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the operator protection apparatus 200 mayimplement a powered actuator 240 in place of or in conjunction with anyof the actuators contemplated herein. In a nonlimiting example, thepowered actuator may be a linear actuator and may be electric,pneumatic, or hydraulic. In some aspects, the powered actuator may becoupled to the first over-center linkage 220 at a firstactuator-over-center pivot joint 242 and coupled to the first lowerportion upright 201 at a first actuator-upright pivot joint 244. In someaspects, the force provided by the powered actuator may apply a force tosecure the operator protection apparatus 200 in the locked position.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the operator protection apparatus 200may include a handle 280. The handle 280 may be affixed to the torquetube 250 and positioned such that the handle 280 engages a securingdevice 130 when the second over-center linkage 230 is in a lockedposition. Accordingly, the handle 280 may be disengaged from thesecuring device 130, thereby allowing the over-center linkage to theunlocked and the upper portion to be lowered. As can be appreciated, anyof the actuators provided herein may be included on the operatorprotection apparatus 200 with the handle 280.

With reference now to FIG. 15, in yet another embodiment, an operatorprotection apparatus 300 having two powered actuators is provided.Accordingly, a first powered actuator 340 and a second powered actuator345 may be configured to actuate simultaneously and with equal (ordifferent) force. As depicted in FIG. 15, the operator protectionapparatus 300 may be affixed to a frame 192 of a vehicle, such as frame392 of riding mower 390. In some aspects, the riding mower 190 mayinclude a mower deck 391 coupled to the frame 392 and a controller 398.Further, the riding mower 390 may include a seat 393. The frame 392 mayinclude a frame first end 394 and a frame second end 396. In one aspectherein, a horizontal line 390-1 extending from the frame first end 394to the frame second end 396 defines a horizontal plane, which may bereferred to herein in order to describe locations and positions ofvarious components of the operator protection apparatus 300.

The operator protection apparatus 300 may include a lower portion 301comprising a first lower portion upright 303 and a second lower portionupright 302. Additionally, an upper portion 310 may comprise atransverse member 317 disposed between a first upper portion member 311and a second upper portion member 312. Further, the operator protectionapparatus may have a pair of hinge joints 120 coupling the first lowerportion upright 303 to the first upper portion member 311 and the secondlower portion upright 302 to the second upper portion member 312, suchthat the upper portion 310 is movable relative to the lower portion 301.

Additionally, in some aspects, the operator protection apparatus mayinclude a first over-center linkage 320 and a second over-center linkage330. The first over-center linkage 320 may be coupled to the first lowerportion upright 303 and the first upper portion member 311, and thesecond over-center linkage 330 may be coupled to the second lowerportion upright 302 and the second upper portion member 312.

The first powered actuator 340 may be coupled to the first lower portionupright 303 and the first over-center linkage 320. Further, the secondpowered actuator 345 may be coupled to the second lower portion upright302 and the second over-center linkage 330. The operator protectionapparatus 300 may include at least one input device for controlling thepowered actuators 340 and 345. The input device is configured to controlactuation of the powered actuators 340 and 345 simultaneously, asmentioned above. In some aspects, the input device may be a simpleswitch communicatively coupled directly to the powered actuators 340 and345. In other aspects, the input device may be communicatively coupledto the controller 398, which may control the powered actuators 340 and345.

In one aspect, the input device may be a foot button 341 that may bedepressed by the foot of an operator to initiate actuation for bothraising and lowering the upper portion 310. In another aspect, the inputdevice may be a toggle switch 343. For example, holding the toggleswitch 343 in a first direction may cause the actuators to lower theupper portion 310 until the switch is released. Additionally, holdingthe toggle switch 343 in a second direction may cause the actuators 340and 345 to raise the upper portion 310. Alternatively, momentarilymoving the toggle switch 343 in the second direction, rather thanholding the toggle switch 343, may cause the actuators 340 and 345 toraise the upper portion to the locked position. Although described inthe examples above, the input device may be implemented as any othersuitable type of input device and at any other suitable location. Forexample, the input device may be associated with operator controls 395such that the operator protection apparatus 300 may be controlled by anoperator while the operator is using the operator controls 395.

Turning now to FIG. 16, the first lower portion upright 303 may have afirst upright first end 305 and a first upright second end 307. Thesecond lower portion upright 302 may have a second upright first end 304and a second upright second end 306. In one aspect, the first uprightfirst end 305 and the second upright first end 304 may be affixed to aframe of a terrain working vehicle (for example riding mower 390). Thefirst upper portion member 311 may have a first member first end 313 anda first member second end 315. The second upper portion member 312 mayhave a second member first end 314 and a second member second end 316.

The first over-center linkage 320 may comprise a first lower linkassembly 321 having a first lower link first end 322 and a first lowerlink second end 323. The first lower link first end 322 may be pivotablycoupled to the first lower portion upright 303 at a first lower linkpivot joint 324. The first over-center linkage 320 may also comprise afirst upper link assembly 325 having a first upper link first end 326and a first upper link second end 327. The first upper link assembly 325first end may be pivotably coupled to the first lower link second end323 at a first center pivot joint 328. Further, the first upper linksecond end 327 may be pivotably coupled with the first upper portionmember 311 at a first upper pivot joint 329. In one aspect, the firstpowered actuator 340 is coupled to the first over-center linkage 320 ata first actuator-over-center pivot joint 342 and coupled to the firstlower portion upright 303 at a first actuator-upright pivot joint 344.

The operator protection apparatus 300 may comprise a second over-centerlinkage 330. The second over-center linkage 330 may comprise a secondlower link assembly 331 having a second lower link first end 332 and asecond lower link second end 333. The second lower link first end 332may be pivotably coupled to the second lower portion upright 302 at asecond lower link pivot joint 334. The second over-center linkage 330may also comprise a second upper link assembly 335 having a second upperlink first end 336 and a second upper link second end 337. The secondupper link assembly 335 first end may be pivotably coupled to the secondlower link second end 333 at a second center pivot joint 338. Further,the second upper link second end 337 may be pivotably coupled with thesecond upper portion member 312 at a second upper pivot joint 339. Thesecond powered actuator 345 may be coupled to the second over-centerlinkage 330 at a second actuator-over-center pivot joint 346 and coupledto the second lower portion upright 302 at a second actuator-uprightpivot joint 348.

The first over-center linkage 320 may be in a locked position when thefirst center pivot joint 328 is on a first centerline first side 300A ofa first centerline 300-1 extending between the first lower link pivotjoint 324 and the first upper pivot joint 329. The second over-centerlinkage 330 may be in a locked position when the second center pivotjoint 338 is on a second centerline first side 310A of a secondcenterline 310-1 extending between the second lower link pivot joint 334and the second upper pivot joint 339.

Turning now to FIG. 17, the first over-center linkage 320 may be in anunlocked position when the first center pivot joint 328 is on a firstcenterline second side 300B of the first centerline 300-1. Accordingly,the second over-center linkage 330 is in an unlocked position when thesecond center pivot joint 338 is on a second centerline second side 310Bof the second centerline 310-1. Additionally, similar to the embodimentsdescribed hereinabove, the operator protection apparatus 300 may includeone or more stops 350 that limit a range of motion of the upper portion310 relative to the lower portion 301. Further, the operator protectionapparatus 300 may include a pair of lower portion brackets 352 and apair of upper portion brackets 354 for coupling the first over-centerlinkage 320 and the second over-center linkage 330 to the lower portion301 and the upper portion 310.

In an additional embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 18, an operatorprotection apparatus 400 may be affixed to a frame of a vehicle, such asframe 492 of riding mower 490. In some aspects, the riding mower mayinclude a mower deck 491 coupled to the frame 492 and a controller 498.Further, the riding mower 490 may include a seat 493. The riding mowermay comprise, a frame 492 having a frame first end 494 and a framesecond end 496. In one aspect herein, a horizontal line 490-1 extendingfrom the frame first end 494 to the frame second end 496 defines ahorizontal plane, which may be referred to herein in order to describelocations and positions of various components of the operator protectionapparatus 400.

The operator protection apparatus 400 may include a lower portion 402comprising a lower portion first end 404 and a lower portion second end406. Additionally, the operator protection apparatus 400 may include anupper portion 410 comprising a single upper portion member having anupper portion first end 412 and an upper portion second end 414. Theupper portion 410 may include a cross member 416 affixed to the upperportion second end 414. Further, the operator protection apparatus 400may have a hinge joint 420 coupling the lower portion second end 406 tothe upper portion first end 412, such that the upper portion 410 ismovable relative to the lower portion 402.

Additionally, in some aspects, the operator protection apparatus mayinclude an over-center linkage 440 coupled the lower portion 402 and theupper portion 410. In some aspects, the over-center linkage 440 mayinclude a lower link assembly 442 having a lower link first end 444 anda lower link second end 446 pivotably coupled to the lower portion 402at a lower pivot joint 448. Further, the over-center linkage 440 mayinclude an upper link assembly 450 pivotably coupled to the lower linkassembly 442 at a center pivot joint 456. The lower link first end maybe pivotably coupled to the lower portion 402 at the lower pivot joint448. Additionally, the upper link assembly 450 may be pivotably coupledwith the upper portion 410 at an upper pivot joint 458. The lower linkassembly first end may be pivotably coupled to the lower portion 402 atthe lower pivot joint 448. Further, the over-center linkage 440 mayinclude an upper link assembly 450 having an upper link first end 452and an upper link second end 454. The upper link first end 452 may bepivotably coupled to the lower link second end 446 to at the centerpivot joint 456. Additionally, the upper link assembly second end may bepivotably coupled with the upper portion 410 at an upper pivot joint458.

Additionally, the operator protection apparatus 400 may include anactuator 422 coupled to the lower portion 402 and the over-centerlinkage 440. In one aspect, the actuator may comprise a hand lever 424,although any of the actuators contemplated herein may be used. Forexample, similar to the riding mower depicted in FIG. 1, the ridingmower 490 may include a foot pedal 428. The foot pedal 428 may have afirst side and a second side that rotate about a pivot such that bothsides of the pedal may be pushed by an operator and may be associatedwith a mechanical actuator, as described hereinabove.

The operator protection apparatus 400 may also include a position sensor470. Further, the operator protection apparatus 400 may be coupled toone or more indicators. The one or more indicators may provide a warningor a notification that a position of the operator protection apparatus400 should be changed, or is in an unlocked position. For example, avisual indicator 472, which may be a light, may provide a visualindication that the operator protection apparatus 400 should be in thelocked position. Additionally, one or more tactile indicators 474 may beemployed to notify or warn the operator of a condition related to theoperator protection apparatus 400. Further, the one or more indicatorsmay include an audio indicator (although not shown here, the audioindicator may be associated with the controller 498).

Turning now to a general discussion of each of the embodiments describedhereinabove, a variety of additional features may be implemented witheach of the embodiments.

Additionally, some of the features described hereinabove may includevariations, which may be applicable to each of the embodiments describedherein. For example, although the over-center linkages describedhereinabove and depicted in the figures may provide an advantageousconfiguration, other configurations should be considered within thescope of this disclosure. For example, it is contemplated that anover-center linkage could be positioned such that it is affixed toeither an interior surface or an exterior surface of an operatorprotection apparatus.

Additionally, the hinge joints described hereinabove may alternativelybe described as including the over-center linkages. Said another way, ahinge joint that includes an over-center linkage for locking an operatorprotection system has been contemplated and should be considered withinthe scope of this disclosure. Additionally, it should be appreciatedthat the features of the various embodiments described herein may beincorporated with one another.

In another aspect, an operator protection apparatus may be providedwithout an actuator. In one aspect, a grip or other member may extendfrom the a center pivot joint of at least one over-center linkage.Accordingly, the over-center linkage may be unlocked without employingan actuator. In another aspect, a rod may extend between center pivotjoints of two over-center linkages. The rod may be manually movedbetween the locked and unlocked position.

Further, the one or more sensors described hereinabove may include anynumber of sensors associated with a vehicle and/or the operatorprotection apparatus. In some aspects, the operator protection apparatusmay include logic that is integrated with the apparatus or is configuredfor integration with a controller, or other computing device associatedwith the vehicle. Accordingly, an operator protection apparatus mayreceive sensor data from a variety of sensors. For example, a vehiclemay include a tilt sensor configured to detect a tilt of the vehicle,for example in a controller (e.g. controller 198, 298, 398, or 498). Inanother aspect, the tilt sensor may be provided and included with theoperator protection apparatus. Additionally, the operator protectionapparatus may be configured to receive sensor data from a seatbeltsensor associated with the vehicle including, for example, whether theseatbelt is buckled or unbuckled.

The sensed data obtained from different sensors may be used by theoperator protection apparatus logic to make a number of determinations.For example, the sensor data may be used to determine that the operatorprotection apparatus is in a lowered position, and the seatbelt isengaged. In this scenario, the operator protection apparatus may causethe controller to disengage the mower blades. In another aspect, thesensed data may be used to determine that the operator protectionapparatus is in a raised position and the seatbelt is disengaged. Inthis example, similar to the previous scenario, the operator protectionapparatus may communicate a command to the controller to disengage theblades. In additional aspects, the operator protection apparatus mayactivate one or more indicators (e.g., a visual indicator 472 and atactile indicators 474) or warning signals, based on the sensor data.For example, the sensor data may be used to activate audio, visual, ortactile indicators for alerting an operator of the vehicle that a stateof the vehicle or the operator protection apparatus should be changed.

Lever-Actuated Operator Protection Apparatus

In accordance with other aspects of this invention, a lever-actuatedoperator protection apparatus is described herein. The lever-actuatedoperator protection apparatus may be affixed to a terrain workingvehicle, for example a riding mower, and may include a manually-operablelever that is positioned to be accessible from the seat of the ridingmower. As a result, the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus maybe moved between raised and lowered positions by an operator in a seatedposition on the riding mower.

As discussed above, traditional operator protection apparatuses oftenrequired that an operator leave the seat of the vehicle in order tomanually raise and lower the top portion of the operator protectionapparatuses. In contrast to traditional operator protection apparatuses,the lever-actuated operator protection apparatuses described hereinprovide a manually-powered mechanism for raising and lowering operatorprotection apparatuses without leaving the seat of the vehicle.

Turning now to FIG. 19, an exemplary lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus 1000 with a lever 1024 is depicted on an exemplary terrainworking vehicle 1050 (in this case, a riding mower). The lever-actuatedoperator protection apparatus 1000 includes a lower portion 102 with alower portion first end 104, which may be affixed to a frame of aterrain working vehicle 1050, and a lower portion second end 106. Thelever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 also includes an upperportion 110 having an upper portion first end 112 and an upper portionsecond end 114. Additionally, the lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus 1000 includes at least one hinge joint 120 rotatably couplingthe lower portion second end 106 and the upper portion first end 112.Accordingly, the upper portion 110 is movable relative to the lowerportion 102 between a raised position (depicted, e.g., in FIGS. 19 and20) and a lowered position (depicted, e.g., in FIGS. 21 and 22), forexample, by rotating the upper portion 110 about the hinge joint 120.The structure of the lower portion 102, the upper portion 110, and thehinge joint 120 are described in detail hereinabove, for example, withreference to FIG. 3, and as such, will not be repeated in full here.

Aspects hereof may be described using directional terminology. Forexample, the terms “horizontal” and “horizontally” as used herein referto direction and describe an orientation generally parallel to thesurface of the earth or a longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the terms“vertical” and “vertically” as used herein refer to a directionperpendicular to, or more perpendicular than parallel to, horizontal.Additionally, relative location terminology will be utilized herein. Forexample, the term “proximate” is intended to mean on, about, near, by,next to, at, and the like. Therefore, when a feature is proximateanother feature, it is close in proximity, but not necessarily exactlyat the described location, in some aspects.

Further, terminology relating to relative positions of various featuresof the embodiments described is also used herein. Accordingly, the terms“forward,” and “forward of” should be interpreted according to thefigures. For example, with respect to FIGS. 19-26, if hypotheticalfeature A is” forward of hypothetical feature B, then hypotheticalfeature A is nearer a front end 1056 of the terrain working vehicle 1050(as depicted in FIGS. 19 and 22) than hypothetical feature B.Conversely, if hypothetical feature A is “rearward of” hypotheticalfeature B, then hypothetical feature A is nearer a rear end 1058 of theterrain working vehicle 1050 (as depicted in FIGS. 19 and 22) thanhypothetical feature B. Further, the term “above” refers to a featurethat is nearer the upper portion second end 114 (as depicted in FIG.19), as compared to another feature. Similarly, the term “below” refersto a feature that is nearer the lower portion first end 104 (as depictedin FIG. 19), as compared to another feature. Accordingly, even where aterrain working vehicle is not depicted in the figures, relativepositions of features should be interpreted as described above, unlessspecifically indicated otherwise.

Returning once again to FIG. 19, the lever 1024 is generally operable toprovide a force to move the upper portion 110 between the raisedposition and the lowered position. The lever 1024, which may be a handlever, includes a lever first end 1026 and a lever second end 1028. Thelever first end 1026 may be coupled with the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus 1000 at any suitable location, as will be describedin more detail below. The lever second end 1028 is generally positionedsuch that the lever second end 1028 is accessible from a seat 1052 ofthe terrain working vehicle 1050 when the upper portion is in each ofthe raised and lowered positions.

For example, the lever second end 1028 may be positioned forward of thehinge joint 120, forward of a rearmost portion of a seatback 1054 of theseat 1052, or proximate a bottom portion of the seat 1052, when theupper portion 110 is in a raised position. Accordingly, the lever 1024is effective to move the upper portion 110 between the raised positionand the lowered position, for example, when force is applied to thelever second end 1028.

In some aspects, the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000includes a lever linkage 1040 having a lever linkage first link 1042coupled with the lower portion 102 and a lever linkage second link 1044coupled with the upper portion 110. The a lever linkage first link 1042and the lever linkage second link 1044 may be pivotably coupled at alever linkage pivot joint 1048. In some aspects, the lever linkage 1040may be an over-center linkage, or other type of mechanical linkage.Further, in some aspects, the lever first end 1026 may be coupled withthe lever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 at, or via, thelever linkage 1040. However, it should be appreciated that thelever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 is not limited toembodiments having the lever linkage 1040, an over-center linkage, orany other type of linkage.

Turning now to FIG. 20, the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus1000 is depicted with the upper portion 110 in the raised position. Asmentioned above, the lever second end 1028 may be positioned forward ofthe hinge joint 120, in the direction indicated by arrow 120A, when theupper portion 110 is in the raised position. Arrow 120A generallyindicates a direction oriented toward the front end of the terrainworking vehicle (indicated as reference numeral 1056 in FIG. 19).Accordingly, the lever second end 1028 is positioned proximate a seat ofa terrain working vehicle to which the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus 1000 is attached, when the upper portion 110 is inthe raised position.

In some aspects, the upper portion first end 112 may include an upperportion first end bracket 112A. The upper portion first end bracket 112Amay be mated with the lower portion second end 106 such that the upperportion 110 is rotatable about the hinge joint 120 relative to the lowerportion 102.

FIG. 21 depicts the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 ofFIG. 20, with the upper portion 110 in the lowered position. Inoperation, when a force is received via the lever 1024 (e.g., at thelever second end 1028), the lever 1024 is effective to rotate the upperportion 110 about the hinge joint 120. For example, as depicted here,the upper portion second end 114 has been moved in a counterclockwisedirection as compared to the position shown in FIG. 20. In some aspects,the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 may include areturn spring 1110 that counteracts, at least in part, a weight of theupper portion 110 and biases the upper portion 110 toward the raisedposition. The return spring 1110 may be coupled with the hinge joint 120(or lower portion 102) and the lever linkage pivot joint 1048 (or otherlocation on the lever linkage 1040). In this exemplary aspect, thereturn spring 1110 provides a force in a direction of a force requiredto return the upper portion 110 to the raised position. The returnspring 1110 depicted here provides one exemplary type of mechanism thatmay be used, but, it should be appreciated that any number of suitablemechanisms or structures may be employed to assist with returning theupper portion 110 to the raised position. For example, additionalreturn/lift-assist mechanisms are discussed hereinabove with referenceto FIG. 12, and below with reference to FIG. 26. However, thereturn/lift-assist mechanisms depicted in the figures are not intendedto be limiting. Rather, any type of suitable mechanism that provides aforce that facilitates rotation of the upper portion 110 from thelowered position toward the raised position is considered within thescope of this disclosure.

In some aspects, the lever second end 1028 may remain forward of thehinge joint 120 when the upper portion 110 is in the lowered position,as indicated by arrow 120A. In other aspects, the lever second end 1028may be positioned rearward of the hinge joint 120 when the upper portion110 is in the lowered position, in the direction indicated by arrow120B.

However, it should be appreciated that the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus 1000 is configured such that the lever second end1028 remains accessible from a an operator position, such as a seat, ofa terrain working vehicle when the upper portion 110 is in the loweredposition. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the lever second end 1028may be positioned forward of, or approximately aligned with, a rearmostportion of the seatback 1054 of the terrain working vehicle 1050, whenthe upper portion 110 is in the lowered position. As such, the leversecond end 1028 remains accessible from the seat 1052 when the upperportion 110 is in the lowered position so that the upper portion 110 maybe returned to the raised position from the seat 1052.

FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 19-22, in the raised position.The lever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 may include anoperator protection apparatus first side 1002 and an operator protectionapparatus second side 1004. The operator protection apparatus secondside 1004 is generally laterally spaced apart from the operatorprotection apparatus first side 1002.

Additionally, FIG. 23 depicts a first lever linkage 1040 coupled withthe upper portion 110 and the lower portion 102 at the operatorprotection apparatus first side 1002, and a second lever linkage 1046coupled with the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 102 at theoperator protection apparatus second side 1004. As mentioned above, thelever first end 1026 may be coupled with the first lever linkage 1040,for example, at the lever linkage first link 1042. Additionally, thelever 1024 may include a grip 1029 proximate the lever second end 1028.In some aspects, the lever linkage 1040 may provide a mechanicaladvantage for moving the upper portion 110 between the raised andlowered positions, and for retaining the upper portion 110 in the raisedposition. Accordingly, in some aspects, the lever 1024 acts on the leverlinkage 1040 to move the upper portion 110 between a raised and loweredpositions.

However, it should be appreciated that the lever 1024 may be coupledwith the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 at anysuitable position, for example, directly with the upper portion 110, orwith a torque tube, such as torque member 1006. As shown here, thetorque member 1006 may be coupled with the first lever linkage 1040 andcoupled with the second lever linkage 1046. In other aspects, the torquemember 1006 may be directly coupled with the operator protectionapparatus first side 1002 and the operator protection apparatus secondside 1004.

In some embodiments, the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus1000 may include a latching mechanism 1030. The latching mechanism 1030may be coupled with the lever 1024, for example, proximate the leverfirst end 1026. The latching mechanism 1030 will be discussed in moredetail below with respect to FIGS. 24 and 25, but in general, thelatching mechanism 1030 is biased toward an engaged position to providesecurement of lever 1024 to retain the upper portion 110 in the raisedposition.

Although some exemplary aspects of rotatably coupling the upper portion110 and the lower portion 102 are depicted in the figures, any suitablemechanism for doing so is considered within the scope of thisdisclosure. In the exemplary aspect depicted in FIG. 23, the upperportion first end bracket 112A may comprise a relatively flat structurethat is fitted within a channel or cutout formed within the lowerportion second end 106, and held in place by the hinge joint 120. Insome aspects, the upper portion first end bracket 112A may include amotion-limiting stop 112B, which limits a range of motion of the upperportion 110. The motion-limiting stop 112B may be adjustable throughouta range of positions to accommodate different types of terrain workingvehicles. In some aspects, the motion limiting stop may include asuitable material for dampening contact forces, such as a polymer basedmaterial.

Turning now to FIG. 24, a close-up side view of the lever-actuatedoperator protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 23 is depicted. The latchingmechanism 1030 is shown in more detail here, in an engaged position, andmay include a latch 1032 and a catch 1034. In some aspects, the latch1032 may be coupled with and adjacent to the lever first end 1026, andthe catch 1034 may be coupled with the lower portion 102. As can beappreciated, the lower portion 102 is substantially static relative tothe vehicle/equipment to which it is attached. Accordingly, the catch1034 may provide an anchor point for limiting movement of the lever 1024(and the upper portion 110) relative to the lower portion 102. In someaspects, the latching mechanism 1030 comprises a biasing mechanism 1036that biases the latch 1032 toward an engaged position, in which thelatch 1032 maintains contact with the catch 1034. For example, the latch1032 may include a lip 1033 that engages the catch 1034. The lip 1033may overhang or overlap the catch 1034 in the engaged position, suchthat the lip 1033 is contiguous to (or substantially contiguous to) thecatch 1034. The exemplary biasing mechanism 1036 depicted here providestension between the latch 1032 and the lever 1024, thereby inhibitingmovement of the latch 1032 from the engaged position to a disengagedposition. Although the biasing mechanism 1036 is depicted in the figuresas a spring, any suitable mechanism or material is considered within thescope of this disclosure.

The latching mechanism 1030 may also include a latch sensor 1038operably coupled with the latching mechanism 1030 to detect a position(e.g., engaged or disengaged) of the latching mechanism 1030 and/or thelever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000. In some aspects, thelatch sensor 1038 may be a switch, which is depressed when the latch1032 is engaged. The latch sensor 1038 may be communicatively coupledwith a controller (or other computing device) of a terrain workingvehicle or associated with the lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus 1000. The latch sensor 1038 (and/or the controller/computingdevice) may also be communicatively coupled with one or more indicators,such as indicator lights, audible indicators, tactile indicators, andthe like. A detailed discussion of sensors and indicators, which isapplicable to latch sensor 1038, is included hereinabove with referenceto FIG. 18, and, as such, will not be repeated in full here.

Turning now to FIG. 25, the latching mechanism 1030 is depicted in thedisengaged position. When the lever 1024 is moved with sufficient forceto overcome the tension between the latch 1032 and the lever 1024provided by the biasing mechanism 1036, the lip 1033 is raised above thecatch 1034. Accordingly, in operation, the lever 1024 is effective tomove the latch 1032 from the engaged position to the disengaged positionas the lever 1024 moves the upper portion 110 from the raised positiontoward the lowered position. For example, as compared to FIG. 24, thelever 1024 has been rotated in a clockwise direction, moving the lip1033 vertically above the catch 1034, thereby allowing the upper portion110 to rotate rearward toward the lowered position. It should beappreciated that although the lip 1033 is referred to as verticallyabove the catch 1034 in the disengaged position, a portion of the lip1033 may remain in contact with a top surface of the catch 1034. In theexemplary aspect depicted in FIG. 25, the latch sensor 1038 (e.g., aswitch) is no longer depressed when lip 1033 is moved vertically abovethe catch 1034, which causes the latch sensor 1038 to detect that thelatch 1032 is disengaged.

FIG. 26 depicts additional aspects of the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus 1000. For example, in some aspects, thelever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 may not include alever linkage. Further, in other aspects, the torque member 1006 may bedirectly coupled with the operator protection apparatus first side 1002and the operator protection apparatus second side 1004. Additionally,the lever 1024 may be coupled with the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus 1000 at the torque member 1006. The torque member1006 distributes and/or transmits torque applied via the lever 1024 toeach of the operator protection apparatus first side 1002 and theoperator protection apparatus second side 1004. In this case, the lever1024 is effective to transmit a rotational force to the torque member1006, thereby facilitating movement of the upper portion 110 between theraised and lowered positions. The torque member 1006 may be a tube, arod, a shaft, or any other suitable structure for transferring forcebetween the operator protection apparatus first side 1002 and theoperator protection apparatus second side 1004.

As shown in FIG. 26, the torque member 1006 may be positioned at anysuitable location, for example, coaxially with the hinge joint 120.Additionally, the lever-actuated operator protection apparatus 1000 mayinclude a variety of return/lift-assist mechanisms that facilitaterotation of the upper portion 110 from the lowered position toward theraised position. In one exemplary aspect, the lever-actuated operatorprotection apparatus 1000 may include a torque member torsion spring1112 that is fitted about the torque member 1006. The torque membertorsion spring 1112 may be affixed to the torque member 1006 (e.g., viaa clamp) and the lower portion 102 (e.g., via a bracket at the operatorprotection apparatus second side 1004). The torque member torsion spring1112 may be fixed relative to the lower portion 102 such that the torquemember torsion spring 1112 applies a rotational force 1118 to the torquemember 1006. Accordingly, the torque member torsion spring 1112 providesa rotational force that decreases an amount of force required by thelever 1024 to move the upper portion 110 to the raised position.Additionally, the torque member torsion spring 1112 may be surrounded bya cover 1116 (shown here in a cutaway view to show the torque membertorsion spring 1112) such that the torque member torsion spring 1112 isenclosed within the cover 1116.

In another exemplary aspect, the lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus 1000 may include a hinge joint torsion spring 1114 coupledabout the hinge joint 120 and having opposing ends affixed to the lowerportion 102 and the upper portion 110. Accordingly, the hinge jointtorsion spring 1114 may provide a force that coincides with rotation ofthe upper portion 110 about the hinge joint 120 toward the raisedposition.

It should be appreciated that the return/lift-assist mechanisms depictedin the figures (e.g., FIGS. 12, 21, and 26) are exemplary only and arenot intended to be limiting. Rather any suitable mechanism (e.g.,tension, compression, helical, rotary, and coil springs, counterweights, gas cylinders, and the like) that aids in moving the upperportion 110 between the lowered and raised position is considered withinthe scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the return/lift-assistmechanisms may provide a dampening effect that support at least aportion of the weight of the upper portion 110 as the upper portion 110moves toward the lowered position. Accordingly, the return/lift-assistmechanisms lessen an amount of force that an operator must apply to thelever 1024 to both raise and lower the upper portion 110. Further, suchreturn/lift-assist mechanisms are not limited to the locations forpositions depicted in the figures. Instead, the return/lift-assistmechanisms may be coupled with the lever-actuated operator protectionapparatus 1000 at any suitable location to counteract the weight of theupper portion 110 and/or assist in actuating the lever 1024 to move theupper portion between the raised and lowered positions.

Control System for Terrain Working Vehicle

In accordance with other aspects of this invention, a control system fora terrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus isdescribed herein. At a high level, the control system is configured tocontrol one or more operations of a terrain working vehicle and may beconfigured to be included with any terrain working vehicle contemplatedherein. Generally, the control system may include multiple, individualcomponents that can be communicatively coupled, integrated, and/orassociated with various components of a terrain working vehicle.Moreover, at least some of the components of the control system may beconfigured to collect sensor data related to components of the terrainworking vehicle, to receive inputs from activated switches of theterrain working vehicle, and to provide indicators when the terrainworking vehicle and/or components thereof are in specified conditions.Further, the control system may include logic and may be configured toinstruct or cease operations based on data and/or inputs related tocomponents of the terrain working vehicle.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of an example control systemillustratively depicting components of a control system 600 for aterrain working vehicle 700. As shown, the control system 600 comprisesa computing device 610, one or more sensors 620, one or more inputdevices 630, and one or more indication devices 640. The computingdevice 610 is communicatively coupled with each of the one or moresensors 620, the one or more input devices 630, and the one or moreindication devices 640. The communicative coupling of these componentsis illustrated in FIG. 27 by lines 602, and the components arecommunicatively coupled such that data, information, and/or inputs maybe transmitted to and from the computing device 610 and each of the oneor more sensors, input devices, and indication devices 620, 630, 640. Inone aspect, the communicative coupling 602 may occur via wires extendingfrom the computing device 610 to each of the one or more sensors, inputdevices, and indication devices 620, 630, 640. In other aspects, thecommunicative coupling 602 may occur wirelessly, and in this aspect, thecomputing device 610, the one or more sensors 620, the one or more inputdevices 630, and the one or more indication devices 640 may each includea wireless component that is configured to facilitate Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®communications, GIS communications, and other near-field communications.

Staying with FIG. 27, the terrain working vehicle 700 is depicted asincluding at least one actuator 710, an operator protection apparatus720, a seat 725, one or more switches 730, and an indicator 740(discussed in more detail below). Moreover, the operator protectionapparatus 720 is moveable to and between a lowered position 721 and araised position 722, and the at least one actuator 710 is configured toprovide a first actuation 711 (e.g., a downward movement) and a secondactuation 712 (e.g., an upward movement). Further, the at least oneactuator 710 is operably coupled to the operator protection apparatus720, which is illustratively represented by line 607, and is configuredsuch that the first actuation 711 moves the operator protectionapparatus 720 to and into the lowered position 721 and the secondactuation 712 moves the operator protection apparatus 720 to and intothe raised position 722.

Returning to discussion of the control system 600, aspects hereincontemplate that the control system 600 is configured to be integratedwith the terrain working 700 such that the one or more sensors 620 andthe one or more input devices 630 are each associated with a componentof the terrain working vehicle 700. Such aspects further contemplatethat the one or more sensors 620 are each configured to detect, collect,and/or sense data from an associated component and to be engaged ordisengaged based on conditions related to an associated component.Similarly, the one or more input devices 630 are each configured to beengaged when an associated switch is activated and disengaged when anassociated switch is deactivated.

In more detailed aspects, the one or more sensors 620 may include afirst sensor 621, a second sensor 622, and a third sensor 623 that areconnected to a respective component of the terrain working vehicle 700,which is illustratively represented by line 603. As shown in FIG. 27,the first and second sensors 621, 622 are associated with an operatorprotection apparatus 720, and the third sensor 623 is associated withthe seat 725. The first sensor 621 is configured to detect, collect,and/or sense data related to the raised position 722 of the operatorprotection apparatus 720 and is further configured to be engaged whenthe operator protection apparatus 720 in the raised position 722 and tobe disengaged when the operator protection apparatus 720 is in any otherposition. Comparatively, the second sensor 622 is configured to detect,collect, and/or sense data related to the lowered position 721 of theoperator protection apparatus 720 and is further configured to beengaged when the operator protection apparatus 720 in the loweredposition 721 and disengaged when the operator protection apparatus 720is in any other position. Additionally, the third sensor 623 isconfigured to detect, collect, and/or sense data related to an operatorpresence in the seat 725 and is also configured to be engaged when anoperator is seated in the seat 725 and disengaged when the operator isnot detected in the seat 725.

Continuing, the one or more input devices 630 include a first inputdevice 631, a second input device 632, and a third input device 633 thatare connected to a respective switch of the one or more switches 730 byline 604, which represent associations between the one or more inputdevices 630 and the one or more switches 730. In such aspects, the firstinput device 631 is associated with a first switch 731, the second inputdevice 632 is associated with a second switch 732, and the third inputdevice 633 is associated with a third switch 733. Moreover, each of thefirst, second and third input devices 631, 632, 633 are configured to beengaged when each of the first, second, and third switches 731, 732, 733is respectively activated and are configured to be disengaged when eachof the first, second, and third switches 731, 732, 733 is respectivelydeactivated.

Further aspects herein contemplate that each of the one or more sensors620 are configured to transmit sensor data to the computing device 610,and likewise, each of the one or more input devices 630 are configuredto transmit inputs to the computing device 610. In more detailed,related aspects, it is contemplated that, when engaged, the first sensor621 communicates to the computing device 610 that the operatorprotection apparatus 720 is in the raised position 722, and whendisengaged, the first sensor 621 communicates to the computing device610 that the operator protection apparatus 720 is in a position otherthan the raised position 722. Similarly, the second sensor 622communicates to the computing device 610 that the operator protectionapparatus 720 is in the lowered position 721 when the second sensor 622is engaged and communicates to the computing device 610 that theoperator protection apparatus 720 is in a position other than thelowered position 721 when the second sensor 622 is disengaged. Moreover,when the third sensor 623 is engaged, it communicates to the computingdevice 610 that an operator is seated in the seat 725, and whendisengaged, the third sensor 623 communicates to the computing device610 that the operator is not present in the seat 725. Further, when thefirst, second and third input devices 631, 632, 633 are engaged througha respective activation of the first, second, and third switches 731,732, 733, each of the first, second and third input devices 631, 632,633 respectively transmits an input to the computing device 610.Conversely, when the first, second, and third input devices 631, 632,633 are disengaged (i.e., deactivation of the first, second, and thirdswitches 731, 732, 733), no input is transmitted to the computing device610 by the first, second, and third input devices 631, 632, 633.

In further aspects still, the one or more indication devices 640 areconfigured to provide indicators for alerting an operator when theterrain working 700 and/or components thereof satisfy specifiedconditions. Such aspects, contemplate that the computing device 610 mayinstruct each of the one or more indication devices 640 to provide theindicator 740 (e.g., an audible alarm) based on sensor data and/orinputs received from the one or more sensors 620 and/or the one or moreinput devices 630. Moreover, each of the one or more indication devices640 may be associated with and may provide the indicator 740. In oneexample, the one or more indication devices 640 includes an audioindication device that is associated with an indicator including anaudio output. Staying with this example, when the terrain workingvehicle 700 and/or components thereof satisfy specified conditions(e.g., a position of the operator protection apparatus 720), thecomputing device 610 instructs the audio indication device to provide anassociated indicator, and in turn, an audio output (e.g., a beepingsound) is generated to alert the operator of the specified conditions ofthe terrain working vehicle and/or components thereof (e.g., theoperator protection apparatus 720 is in a position other than the raisedposition 722).

As previously discussed, aspects hereof contemplate that the controlsystem 600 is configured to control one or more operations of theterrain working vehicle 700. In such aspects, the computing device 610is configured to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors 620,to receive inputs from the one or more input devices 630, and to provideindicators via the one or more indication devices 640. Moreover, thecomputing device 610 includes a logic that uses the sensor data and/orinputs received from the one or more sensors 620 and/or the one or moreinput devices 630 to make a number of determinations related to variousoperations of the terrain working vehicle 700. Further, suchdeterminations may involve the computing device 610 instructing orceasing an operation of one or more components of the terrain working700 (discussed in more detail below).

Related aspects herein contemplate that the computing device 610 may becommunicatively coupled to the terrain working vehicle 700 and/orcomponents thereof. In FIG. 27, the computing device 610 is connected tothe at least one actuator 710 by line 606, which represents acommunicative coupling of the computing device 610 to the at least oneactuator 710. In these aspects, the computing device 610 is configuredto instruct or cease actuation of the at least one actuator 710, whichis configured to move the operator protection apparatus 720 to andbetween the lowered and raised positions 721, 722. Thus, the computingdevice 610 is configured to effectuate movement of the operatorprotection apparatus 720 by instructing or ceasing an actuation of theat least one actuator 710.

In more detailed aspects, the at least one actuator 710 includes thefirst actuation 711, which moves the operator protection apparatus 720toward and into the lowered position 721 and also includes the secondactuation 712 that moves the operator protection apparatus 720 towardand into the raised position 722. Such aspects further contemplate thatthe computing device 610 is configured to instruct or cease the firstand second actuations 711, 712, and in turn, the computing device 610may effectuate movement of the operator protection apparatus 720 towardand into the lowered and raised positions 721, 722. Further, thecomputing device 610 may make a determination to effectuate movement ofthe operator protection apparatus 720 by using the logic and the sensordata and/or inputs received from the one or more sensors 620 and/or theone or more input devices 630. For instance, when the first sensor 621is disengaged, the first sensor 621 communicates to the computing device610 that the operator protection apparatus 720 is in a position otherthan the raised position 722, and based on this sensor data and thelogic, the computing device 610 instructs the second actuation 712 ofthe at least one actuator 710, thereby effectuating movement of theoperator protection apparatus 720 toward and into the raised position722.

As previously mentioned, the control system 600 may be configured to beincluded with any of the terrain working vehicles contemplated herein,and the components of the control system 600 may be coupled or attachedto the terrain working vehicle at a variety of different locations. Insome aspects, the computing device 610, the one or more sensors 620, theone or more input devices 630, and/or the one or more indication devices640 are configured to be coupled or attached to the terrain working atlocations that are suitable for both communicative coupling andtransferring a certain sensor data, inputs, and indications. Moreover,the control system 600 may comprise any number and/or combination ofindividual components discussed herein, which may be associated with avariety of different components of the terrain vehicles contemplatedherein. As such, aspects hereof contemplate that the computing device610, the one or more sensors 620, the one or more input devices 630,and/or the one or more indication devices 640 may be modified forintegration and may be implemented as another type or variation suitablefor a particular terrain working vehicle and/or components thereof.

In accordance with aspects herein, non-limiting examples of other typesor variations of components of the control system 600 that may beimplemented include: the computing device 610 may be implemented as thecontroller 198, 298, 398, or 498; any of the one or more sensors 620(e.g., the first, second, and third sensors 621, 622, 623) may beimplemented as the one or more sensors 170, the position sensor 170 or470, the tilt sensor, the latch sensor 1038; any of the one or moreinput devices 630 (e.g., the first, second and third input devices 631,632, 633) may be implemented as the foot button 341, the toggle switch343, or the foot pedal 428; and any of the one or more indicators 640may be implemented as the visual indicator 472 or the tactile indicators474.

Aspects herein also contemplate that the terrain working vehicle 700 andthe components thereof may be modified and implemented as other types orvariations suitable for a control system and components thereof.Non-limiting examples of other types or variations of terrain workingvehicles and/or components thereof include: the terrain working vehicle700 may be implemented as lawn tractors, UTVs, ATVs, compact tractors,loaders, and the riding mower 190, 390, or 490; the operator protectionapparatus 720 may be implemented as the operator protection apparatus100, 200, 300, or 400; the at least one actuator 710 may be implementedas the actuator 122, 240, 245, 340, 345, or 440; the seat 725 may beimplemented as the seat 393 or 493; any of the one or more switches 730(e.g., the first, second, and third switches 731, 732, 733) may beimplemented as the foot button 341, the toggle switch 343, the footpedal 428, or the operator controls 395; and the indicator 740 may beimplemented as indicator lights, audible indicators (e.g., speakers), ortactile indicators.

Turning now to FIGS. 28 and 29, an example of a control systemintegrated with a terrain working vehicle having an operator protectionapparatus is depicted. As shown, the terrain working vehicle is depictedas a riding mower 590 having an operator protection apparatus 500 thatis movable to and between a raised position (depicted in FIG. 28) and alowered position (depicted in FIG. 29). Both the riding mower 590 andthe operator protection apparatus 500 may include any number and/orcombinations of aspects related to terrain working vehicles and operatorprotection apparatuses discussed herein, and because detaileddiscussions of these aspects, which are applicable to the riding mower590 and the operator protection apparatus 500, are included hereinabove, such discussions will not be repeated in full here.Notwithstanding, certain aspects of the riding mower 590 and theoperator protection apparatus 500 are nevertheless identified in FIGS.28 and 29 and are discussed in detail as such aspects are associatedwith and/or related to of the control system. Moreover, because many ofthese aspects of the riding mower 590 and the operator protectionapparatus 500 are tied to various functionalities of the control system,such aspects are discussed immediately below and prior to detaileddiscussions of the control system and aspects thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the riding mower 590 includes a mower deck591 and a seat 593 that are both coupled to a frame 592 and alsoincludes a pedal 528, a button 541, an audio indication device 574, andoperator controls 595 that are each included in the riding mower 590and/or coupled to the frame 592 at locations proximate to an operator ofthe riding mower 590, when the operator is seated in the seat 593. Theoperator protection apparatus 500 is mounted on the riding mower 590 andincludes a first actuator 540 and a second actuator 545 that areoperably coupled with and configured to effectuate movement of theoperator protection apparatus 500 to and between the raised and loweredpositions based on instructions (described in more detail below). Whenthe operator protection apparatus is in a position other than the raisedposition, the first and second actuators 540, 545 are configured toprovide a force required to move the operator protection apparatus 500toward and into the raised position, and similarly, the first and secondactuator 540, 545 are further configured to provide a force required tomove the operator protection apparatus 500 toward and into the loweredposition when the operator protection apparatus 500 is in a positionother than the lowered position.

Although the operator protection apparatus 500 is depicted in FIGS. 28and 29 with two actuators that are configured effectuate a samedirection of movement, in other aspects, it is contemplated the operatorprotection apparatus 500 may include two actuators that are eachconfigured to effectuate movement in a single, different direction.(i.e., a first actuator configured to provide a first force required tomove the operator protection apparatus 500 toward and into the raisedposition and a second actuator configured to provide a second forcerequired to move the operator protection apparatus 500 toward and intothe lowered position). In such aspects, only one of said actuators isoperated at a time. In another aspect, it is contemplated that theoperator protection apparatus 500 may include a single actuator that isconfigured to effectuate movement in at least two directions (i.e., atleast one actuator configured to provide forces required to move theoperator protection apparatus 500 toward and into both the raised andlowered positions.) In other aspects still, the first actuator 540, thesecond actuator 545, or both may include the hydraulic actuator 180, theelectric-hydraulic actuator 182, or the electric-linear actuator 186.

Continuing, the riding mower 590 further includes a computing device 598that is coupled to the riding mower 590 proximate the mower deck 591 andbehind the seat 592. Although not identified in FIGS. 28 and 29, thecomputing device 598 is communicatively coupled with a first, second,and third input device (not identified), a third sensor (notidentified), and an indication device (e.g., illustrated as the audioindication device 574), each of which are respectively associated withthe pedal 528, the operator controls 595, the button 541, the seat 593,and the audio indication device 574. In addition, the computing device598 is communicatively coupled with a first sensor 570 and a secondsensor 572 that are associated with the operator protection apparatus500 and are coupled proximate thereto. Even though many of the foregoingcomponents and their respective coupling with the computing device 598are not visible in FIGS. 28 and 29, the computing device 598, the first,second, and third inputs, the first sensor, 570, the second sensor 572,the third sensor, and the indication device collectively form a controlsystem for the riding mower 590.

Aspects herein further contemplate that the computing device 598 isconfigured to receive sensor data from the first sensor 570, the secondsensor 572, the third sensor, to receive inputs from the first, second,and third input devices, and to instruct the indication device toprovide an indicator. In related aspects, the first and second sensors570, 572 are configured to collect and communicate to the computingdevice 598 sensor data related to the operator protection apparatus 500,and the third sensor is configured to collect and communicate to thecomputing device 598 sensor data related to the seat 593. Such aspectsalso contemplate that the first input device is configured to transmitan input to the computing device 598 while an associated switch (e.g.,the pedal 528) is activated (e.g., depressed), the second input deviceis configured to transmit an input to the computing device 598 while anassociated switch (e.g., the operator controls 595) is activated, andthe third input device is configured to transmit an input to thecomputing device 598 while an associated switch (e.g., the button 541)is activated. In one aspect, the button 541 is a start button and isconfigured such that an initial downward pressing or depression movesthe button 541 to a position that activates an associated switch, which,in turn, energizes the riding mower 590 (e.g., starts the mower).Continuing with this aspect, the button 541 is further configured suchthat a subsequent downward pressing or depression moves the button 541to a position that deactivates the associated switch, which, in turn,unenergizes the riding mower 590 (e.g., turns the mower off).

In more detailed aspects, the first sensor 570 and the second sensor 572are configured to detect a position of the operator protectionsapparatus 500. Specifically, the first sensor 570 is configured suchthat the first sensor 570 is engaged when the operator protectionapparatus 500 is in the raised position and disengaged when the operatorprotection apparatus 500 is positioned in any position other than theraised position. Similarly, the second sensor 572 is configured to beengaged when the operator protection apparatus 500 is in the loweredposition and disengaged when the operator protection apparatus 500 isany position besides the lowered position. In some aspects, the firstsensor 570 may include a projection that is depressed when the operatorprotection apparatus 500 is the raised position, and similarly, thesecond sensor 572 may include a projection that is depressed when theoperator protection apparatus 500 is the lowered position. In suchaspects, a depressed projection may close an electrical switch, and therespective first sensor 570 or second sensor 572 may detect passage ofan electrical signal through a circuit completed by closing theelectrical switch associated with the depressed projection. Continuingwith these aspects, the first and second sensors 570, 572 may be engagedwhen a respective projection is depressed and disengaged when therespective projection is not depressed. In other aspects, the first andsecond sensors 570, 572 may be configured to communicate and/or transmitsensed data to the computing device 598 when engaged and/or disengagedthat may be used by the logic to determine a position of the operatorprotection apparatus 500.

In other aspects, the third sensor may be configured to detect apresence of an operator in the seat 593 in a manner that is similar tohow the first and second sensors 570, 572 detect a position of theoperator protection apparatus 500. As such, the third sensor may bepositioned at a location of the riding mower 590 such that the thirdsensor is engaged when the operator is seated in the seat 593 and isdisengaged when the operator is not seated. In one aspect, the thirdsensor may include a projection that is depressed by a weight of theoperator when seated in the seat 593 and that is not depressed in anabsence of the weight of the operator. Moreover, the third sensor may beconfigured to be engaged when the projection is depressed and to beotherwise disengaged, and further, the third sensor may be configured tocommunicate and/or transmit sensed data to the computing device 598 whenengaged and/or disengaged and that sensed data may be used by the logicto determine a position of the operator protection apparatus 500. Insome aspects, the third sensor may comprise an electrical circuit with aswitch that is closed when the operator is seated in the seat 573 andopen when the operator is not seated in the seat 573. In these aspects,the sensed data of the third sensor may comprise an electrical signalthat is communicated or not communicated through the electrical circuit.

Additional aspects herein contemplate that the first input device may beconfigured to be engaged while the pedal 528 is depressed towards themower deck 591 and to be disengaged while the pedal 528 is not beingdepressed or during an absence of any depression of the pedal 528. Insuch aspects, the pedal 528 is configured to operate as a switch andthus, may be a first switch associated with the first input device. Inother aspects, the pedal 528 itself is not a switch but is associatedwith a first switch that is activated while the pedal 528 is depressedtowards the mower deck 591 and deactivated while the pedal 528 is notbeing depressed. Such aspects contemplate that the first input device isengaged while the first switch is activated and disengaged while thefirst switch is deactivated. In other aspects, the first input devicemay be configured to transmit an input to the computing device 598 whileengaged and cease transmittance of the input while disengaged. Moreover,the logic may use the input or absence of the input to make adetermination for controlling an operation of the riding mower 590.

In further aspects, the second input device may be configured in amanner similar to that of the first input device, but may be associatedwith a different component of the riding mower 590. As such, the secondinput device may be configured to be engaged while the operator controls595 are in a drive position and disengaged while the operator controls595 are in a position other than the drive position (e.g., a parkposition). In these aspects, the operator controls 595 are configured tooperate as a switch and thus, there may be a second switch associatedwith the second input device. In other aspects, the operator controls595 are not themselves a switch but are associated with a second switchthat is activated while the operator controls 595 are in the driveposition and deactivated when the operator controls 595 are not in thedrive position. Such aspects contemplate that the second input device isengaged while the second switch is activated and disengaged while thesecond switch is deactivated. Additional aspects contemplate that thesecond input device may be configured to transmit an input to thecomputing device 598 while engaged and cease transmittance of the inputwhile disengaged and further contemplate that the logic may use theinput or absence of an input to make a determination for controlling anoperation of the riding mower 590.

In even further aspects, the third input device may be configured in amanner similar to that of the first and second input devices, but may beassociated with the button 541. Thus, the third input device may beconfigured to be engaged while the button 541 is depressed anddisengaged while the button 541 is not being depressed or during anabsence of any depression of the button 541. In such aspects, the button541 is configured to operate as a switch and may be a third switchassociated with the third input device. Other aspects contemplate thatthe button 541 itself is not a switch but is be associated with a thirdswitch that is activated while the button 541 is depressed anddeactivated while the button 541 is not being depressed. These aspectsalso contemplate that the third input device is engaged while the thirdswitch is activated and disengaged while the third switch isdeactivated. Additional aspects contemplate that the third input devicemay be configured to transmit an input to the computing device 598 whileengaged and cease transmittance of the input while disengaged andfurther contemplate that the logic may use the input or absence of aninput to make a determination for controlling an operation of the ridingmower 590.

In even further aspects still, the indication device is configured toprovide an indicator for alerting an operator when the riding mower 590is in a specified condition. Such aspects, contemplate that thecomputing device 598 may instruct the indication device to provide anindicator based on sensor data and/or inputs received from the first,second, and third inputs, the first sensor, 570, the second sensor 572,and/or the third sensor. The indication device may be associated withand may provide an indicator, and in one aspect, the indication devicemay be the audio indication device 574, which is associated with anindicator that includes an audio output. Moreover, when the riding mower590 and/or components thereof satisfy specified conditions, thecomputing device 598 instructs the audio indication device 574 toprovide the associated indicator, resulting in a generation of an audiooutput. Further, when the riding mower 590 is no longer in the specifiedconditions, the computing device 598 ceases to instruct the audioindication device 574 and the associated indicator is not provided,thereby terminating or ceasing a generation of the audio output.

In one example, a specified condition of the riding mower 590 is theoperator protection apparatus 500 being in a position other than theraised position, and in such condition, the computing device 598 wouldinstruct the audio indication device 574 to provide the audio output(e.g., beeping sound) while the operator protection apparatus 500 is notin the raised position and ceases to instruct the audio indicationdevice 574 when the operator protection apparatus 500 is in the raisedposition. Stated more simply, a beeping sound is generated when theoperator protection apparatus 500 is in not in the raised position, andthe beeping sound stops or is not generated while the operatorprotection apparatus 500 is in the raised position.

As mentioned, aspects herein contemplate that the computing device 598is configured to control one or more operations of the riding mower 590,and in such aspects, the computing device 598 instructs and ceases theone or more operations based on sensed data and/or inputs received bythe first sensor 570, the second sensor 572, the third sensor, and/orthe first, second, and third input devices to make a number ofdeterminations in connection with controlling various operations of theriding mower 590. These aspects also contemplate that the computingdevice 598 is communicatively coupled to and/or integrated with one ormore components of the riding mower 590 and is configured to instructand cease operations involving the one or more components. In one suchaspect, the computing device 598 is communicatively coupled to the firstand second actuators 540, 545 and is configured to instruct and ceaseactuation for moving the operator protection apparatus 500. Further, thecomputing device 598 may instruct and cease a first actuation and asecond actuation for moving the operator protection apparatus 500 in adownward direction and an upward direction, respectively.

Continuing with these aspects, the computing device 598 is configured tocontrol one or more operations of the riding mower 590 in accordancewith the logic. Generally, the logic is configured such that thecomputing device 598 instructs and ceases an operation when one or morecomponents of the riding mower 598 is in a specified condition, which inturn, is reflected by a condition of an associated switch and/orcomponent of the control system. Further, the logic is configured todetermine such a condition from sensor data and/or inputs being receivedby the computing device 598. More specific aspects of the logic arebetter explained by way of example and thus, are discussed in thefollowing with reference to FIG. 30.

FIG. 30 depicts a flow diagram 800 representing a logic used by acontrol system for controlling one or more operations of a terrainworking vehicle. To aid in explanation, the flow diagram 800 will bedescribed with general reference to aspects of the riding mower 590 andthe control system previously described in connection with FIGS. 28 and29, however, the following description may be applied to any type ofterrain working vehicle. As shown in FIG. 30, the logic includes a firstlogic 801 and a second logic 802. The first logic 801 begins at a block810, which represents a condition of a first switch (e.g., activated ordeactivated), and each connector extending from the block 810 indicatesa progression of the first logic 801 while the first switch is in arespective condition. As such, when the first switch is activated, thefirst logic 801 progresses to a block 820 and alternatively, progressesto a block 812 when the first switch is deactivated.

The block 820 represents that the computing device instructs a firstactuation of the operator protection apparatus (e.g., moving theoperator protection apparatus 500 downward towards the lowered position)and provides an indicator (e.g., beeping sound) while the first switchis activated (e.g., the pedal 528 is depressed). Next, while thecomputing device instructs the operations represented by the block 820,the first logic progresses to a block 814, which represents detecting acondition of a second sensor (e.g., engaged or disengaged), and eachconnector arrow extending away from the block 814 indicates aprogression of the first logic 801 when the second sensor is in arespective condition. When the second sensor is disengaged (e.g., theoperator protection apparatus 500 is in a position other than thelowered positioned), the first logic 801 returns to the block 820, andconsequently, the computing device continues instructing the firstactuation of the operator protection apparatus and providing theindicator. When the second sensor is engaged (e.g., when the operatorprotection apparatus 500 has reached the lowered position), the firstlogic 801 progresses to a block 822, which represents that the computingdevice ceases the first actuation. Thus, when the second sensor isengaged, the computing device ceases the first actuation.

As an example, when the foregoing phase of the first logic 801 isimplemented in the riding mower 590, while the pedal 528 is depressed(i.e., the first switch is activated), the computing device 598instructs the first actuation, and the first and second actuators 540,545 move the operator protection apparatus 500 downward. The operatorprotection apparatus 500 continues to be moved downward until reachingor being moved into the lowered position, at which point, the secondsensor 572 is engaged. When the second sensor 572 is engaged, thecomputing device 598 ceases the first actuation, and the first andsecond actuators 540, 545 stop moving the operator protection apparatus500. All the while, the computing device 598 instructs the audioindicator 574 to provide the audio output, and a beeping sound is made.

So long as the first switch is activated (e.g., the pedal 528 isdepressed), the operator protection apparatus will continue to be movedtowards the lowered position or held in the lowered position uponarrival. Once the first switch is deactivated (e.g., the pedal 528 isnot depressed), however, the first logic proceeds from block 810 toblock 812 to determine if operator protection apparatus needs to bemoved to the raised position, as described below.

At block 812, a condition of a first sensor is represented (e.g.,engaged or disengaged), and when the first sensor is disengaged (e.g.,the operator protection apparatus 500 is in a position other than theraised positioned), the computing device instructs a second actuation ofthe operator protection apparatus (e.g., moving the operator protectionapparatus 500 upward towards the raised position) and provides anindicator (e.g., beeping sound), as represented by a block 824. When thefirst sensor is disengaged (e.g., the operator protection apparatus 500is in a position other than the raised positioned) and the first switchremains deactivated, the first logic 801 returns to the block 812, andconsequently, the computing device continues instructing the secondactuation of the operator protection apparatus and providing theindicator.

Once the operator protection apparatus reaches the raised position andthe first sensor is engaged, the first logic 801 proceeds to a block 826that represents that the computing device ceases the second actuation.Thus, when the first sensor is engaged (e.g., the operation protectionapparatus 500 is in the raised position), the computing device ceasesthe second actuation.

In an example of the foregoing phase of the first logic 801 beingimplemented in the riding mower 590, while the pedal 528 is notdepressed (i.e., the first switch is deactivated) and the operatorprotection apparatus 500 is not in the raised position, the computingdevice 598 instructs the second actuation, and the first and secondactuators 540, 545 move the operator protection apparatus 500 upward. Inaddition, the computing device 598 instructs the audio indication device574 to provide the audio output, and a beeping sound is made when theoperator protection apparatus 500 is not in the raised position. Thecomputing device 598 continues to instruct the second actuation and theaudio indication device 574 until the operator protection apparatus 500is moved into the raised position, at which point the first sensor 570is engaged. When the first sensor 570 is engaged, the computing device598 ceases the second actuation and ceases to instruct the audioindication device 574, and the first and second actuators 540, 545 stopmoving the operator protection apparatus 500 and the beeping sound stopsor is no longer made.

Moving now to the second logic 802, a block 830 represents a conditionof a third switch (e.g., activated or deactivated), and two connectorarrows extend from the block 830 in different directions to represent aprogression of the second logic 802 while the third switch is in arespective condition. As shown in FIG. 30, while the third switch isactivated, the second logic 802 progresses to a block 832 andalternatively, progresses to a block 840 while the third switch isdeactivated. The block 840 represents that computing device is disabledfrom instructing and ceasing operations while the third switch isdeactivated (e.g., the button 541 is deactivated and the riding mower590 is unenergized). In these aspects, the third switch may beconfigured to energize and unenergize a terrain working vehicle whilethe third switch is activated and deactivated, respectively. Suchaspects contemplate that the third switch may be a start button (e.g.,the button 541) or a keyed ignition that is configured to be activatedwhile a key is received and deactivated while the key is removed.

As an example, when the foregoing phase of the second logic 802 isimplemented in the riding mower 590, while the button 541 is not beendepressed (i.e., the third switch is deactivated), a switch associatedwith the button 541 is deactivated and the riding mower 590 isunenergized (e.g., turned off). Consequently, the computing device 598is disabled from instructing the first and second actuations and theaudio indication device 574, and the first and second actuators 540, 545do not move the operator protection apparatus 500 and the beeping soundis not made.

Continuing with FIG. 30, the block 832 represents a condition of a thirdsensor (e.g., engaged or disengaged), and each connector arrow extendingaway from the block 832 indicates a progression of the second logic 802when the third sensor is in a respective condition. When the thirdsensor is disengaged (e.g., an operator is not present in the seat 573),the second logic progresses to a block 834, which represents a conditionof the first sensor. Then, when the first sensor is engaged (e.g., theoperator protection apparatus 500 is in the raised position), the secondlogic 802 progresses to the block 840, and the computing device isdisabled from instructing and ceasing operations. When the first sensoris disengaged (e.g., the operator protection apparatus 500 is in aposition other than the raised positioned), the second logic 802progresses to a block 842, which represents that the computing deviceprovides an indicator and then, progresses to the block 840. As such,when the first sensor is disengaged, the computing device provides theindicator but is disable from instructing and ceasing other operations.

As an example, when the foregoing phase of the second logic 802 isimplemented in the riding mower 590, when an operator is not present inthe seat 573 (i.e., the third sensor is disengaged), the computingdevice 598 is disabled from instructing the first and second actuations,and the first and second actuators 540, 545 do not move the operatorprotection apparatus 500. Stated another way, the operator protectionapparatus 500 is held in a current position when the operator is notpresent in the seat 573. In addition, when the operator protectionapparatus 500 is in a position other than the raised position, thecomputing device 598 instructs the audio indicator 574 to provide theaudio output, and a beeping sound is made.

Returning to the block 832, when the third sensor is engaged (e.g., theoperator is present in the seat 573), the second logic progress to ablock 836, which represents a condition of a second switch (e.g.,activated or deactivated), and each connector arrow extending away fromthe block 836 indicates a progression of the second logic 802 while thesecond switch is in a respective condition. While the second switch isdeactivated (e.g., the operator controls 595 are in a position otherthan a drive position, such as a park position) the second logic 802progresses to the block 834 and then, progresses from the block 832 inthe manner discussed above. While the second switch is activated (e.g.,the operator controls 595 are in a drive position), the second logic 802progresses to the block 810, and the first logic 801 is implemented.

In an example of the foregoing phase of the second logic 802 beingimplemented in the riding mower 590, when the operator is present in theseat 573 (i.e., the third sensor is engaged) and while the operatorcontrols 595 are in the drive position (i.e., the second switch isactivated), the operator protection apparatus 500 moves in the mannerdiscussed in the previous examples when the pedal 528 is or is notdepressed.

Turning now to FIG. 31, a flow diagram 900 representing a method forcontrolling one or more operations of a terrain working vehicle havingan operator protection apparatus is depicted, in accordance with aspectshereof. To aid in explanation, the flow diagram 900 will be describedwith general reference to aspects of the riding mower 590 and thecontrol system previously described in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29,however, this method may be implemented on any type of terrain workingvehicle contemplated herein. At a block 910, an activation of a controlswitch and an engagement of an upper sensor and a lower sensor arecommunicated to a computing device. The control switch may be associatedwith an input device, and in some aspects, the control switch may beconfigured to operate as an input device. The upper and lower sensorsare associated with an operator protection apparatus, and an engagementof the upper and lower sensors corresponds to a position of the operatorprotection apparatus. Next, the control switch is determined to beactivated or deactivated, as depicted at a block 920 and a block 930,respectively. Upon making a determination that the control switch isactivated, a lowering actuation sequence is initiated, which is depictedat a block 922. The lowering actuation sequence may comprise thecomputing device instructing an actuator to move the operator protectionapparatus in a down direction while the control switch is activated andwhen the lower sensor is disengaged and ceasing instructing the actuatorto move the operator protection apparatus in the down direction whilethe control switch is activated and when the lower sensor is engaged.The lowering actuation sequence may further comprises providing anindicator when the lower sensor is disengaged.

Returning the block 930, upon making a determination that the controlswitch is deactivated, a raising actuation sequence is initiated asdepicted at a block 932. The raising actuation sequence may comprise thecomputing device instructing the actuator to move the operatorprotection apparatus in an up direction while the control switch isdeactivated and when the upper sensor is disengaged and ceasinginstructing the actuator to move the operator protection apparatus inthe up direction while the control switch is deactivated and when theupper sensor is engaged. In addition, the raising actuation sequence mayalso comprise providing the indicator when the upper sensor isdisengaged and ceasing providing the indicator when the upper sensor isengaged.

Turning now to FIG. 32, a flow diagram 901 representing additional stepsof the method for controlling one or more operations of a terrainworking vehicle having an operator protection apparatus is depicted, inaccordance with aspects hereof. At a block 940, an energization of theterrain working vehicle, an engagement of a seat sensor, and anactivation of an operation switch are communicated to a computingdevice. Next, the terrain working vehicle is unenergized or determinedto be energized, as depicted at a block 950 and a block 960,respectively. When the terrain working vehicle is unenergized, thecomputing device is disabled from instructing the actuator to move theoperator protection apparatus, which is depicted at a block 952.

Returning to the block 960, upon making a determination that the terrainworking vehicle is energized, the seat sensor is determined to bedisengaged or engaged, as depicted at a block 970 and a block 980,respectively. Upon making a determination that the seat sensor isdisengaged, the indicator is provided and the computing device isdisabled from instructing the actuator to move the operator protectionapparatus, which is depicted at a block 992. For example, in the ridingmower 590, when an operator is not present the seat 573, the operatorprotection apparatus 500 is held in a current position and the audioindication device 574 provides the audio indicator (e.g., a beepingsound). Upon making a determination that the seat sensor is engaged, anactivation of the operator switch (e.g., the operator controls 595) isthen determined. Next, as depicted at a block 990, upon making adetermination that the operator switch is deactivated, the indicator isprovided and the computing device is disabled from instructing theactuator to move the operator protection apparatus, as depicted at theblock 992.

As an example, in the riding mower 590, while the operator controls 595are in a position other than a drive position, the computing device 598is disabled from instructing the first and second actuators 540, 545 tomove the operation protection apparatus 500, and as a result, theoperator protection apparatus 500 is held in a current position.Continuing, when the operator protection apparatus 500 is not in thefully raised position, the computing device 598 instructs the audioindicator 574 to provide the audio output, and a beeping sound is made.

Turning now to FIG. 33 a block diagram of an illustrative computingdevice is provided and is referenced generally by the numeral 1200. Asused throughout this disclosure, the computing device is meant toencompass a wide variety of computing devices with different componentsand combinations thereof. Although some components are shown in thesingular, they may be plural. For example, the computing device 1200might include multiple processors or multiple power supplies, etc. Inaddition, some components may be removed entirely or may be included toperform a certain task and then removed once the task has beencompleted. For instance, the computing device 1200 might include apresentation component and an input component when programing and/ortroubleshooting, but once the programing and/or troubleshooting iscompleted, the presentation component and then input component areremoved and the computing device 1200 no longer includes thesecomponents. Notwithstanding, as illustratively shown, the computingdevice 1200 includes a bus 1210 that directly or indirectly couplesvarious components together including memory 1212, a processor 1214, apresentation component 1216, wireless component 1218, input/output ports1220, input/output components 1222, and a power supply 1224.

The memory 1212 might take the form of memory components previouslydescribed. Thus, further elaboration will not be provided here, only tosay that the memory component 1212 can include any type of medium thatis capable of storing information (e.g., a database). In one aspect, thememory 1212 includes a set of embodied computer-executable instructionsthat, when executed, facilitates various aspects disclosed herein. Suchinstructions may include the logic and operational commands forinstructing and ceasing an operation of a terrain working vehicle.

The processor 1214 might actually be multiple processors that receiveinstructions and process them accordingly. The presentation component1216 includes the likes of a display, a speaker, a touch screeninterface, as well as other components that can present information, andas mentioned, may be included and removed, as is needed to performcertain tasks associated with the computing device 1200. In someaspects, the presentation component 1216 may be included to displayinformation related to operations and conditions of a terrain workingvehicle. The wireless components 1218 facilitates communication withother components of the control system, including Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®communications, GIS communications, and other near-field communications.

The input/output port 1220 might take on a variety of forms.Illustrative input/output ports include a USB jack, stereo jack,infrared port, proprietary communications ports, and the like. In oneaspect, the input/output ports 1200 are configured to receive wires thatcommunicatively couple the computing device 1200 to other components ofthe control system including the one or more sensors, the one or moreinput devices, and the one or more indication devices. In yet anotheraspect, the input/out ports 1200 are configured to receive wires thatcommunicatively couple the computing device 1200 to components of aterrain working vehicle such as the at least one actuator or the one ormore switches. The input/output components 1222 include items such askeyboards, microphones, speakers, touch screens, and any other itemusable to directly or indirectly input data into the computing device1200. In some aspects, the input/output components 1222 comprisecomponents of the control system or a terrain working vehicle including,but not limited to, the one or more sensors, the one or more inputdevices, the one or more indication devices, the at least one actuator,and the one or more switches. The power supply 1224 includes items suchas batteries, fuel cells, or any other component that can act as a powersource to power the computing device 1200, and in one aspect, the powersupply 1224 is a power source provided by a terrain working vehicle.

Turning now to a general discussion of each of the embodiments describedhereinabove, a variety of features discussed with respect to specificembodiments may be implemented with any of the embodiments describedherein. Additionally, some of the features described hereinabove mayinclude variations, which may be applicable to each of the embodimentsdescribed herein. For example, although the embodiments describedhereinabove and depicted in the figures may provide advantageousconfigurations, other configurations should be considered within thescope of this disclosure.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present inventionhave been described with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisanmay develop alternative means of implementing the aforementionedimprovements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control system for a terrain working vehiclehaving an operator protection apparatus movable to and between a raisedposition and a lowered position, the control system comprising: acomputing device configured to instruct and cease a first actuation formoving the operator protection apparatus in a down direction and asecond actuation for moving the operator protection apparatus in an updirection; a first sensor communicatively coupled with the computingdevice and engaged when the operator protection apparatus is in theraised position; a second sensor communicatively coupled with thecomputing device and engaged when the operator protection apparatus isin the lowered position; and a first input device communicativelycoupled with the computing device and engaged while a first switchassociated with the first input device is activated by an operator ofthe terrain working vehicle; wherein, while the first switch isactivated, the computing device instructs the first actuation when thesecond sensor is disengaged and ceases the first actuation when thesecond sensor is engaged, and wherein, while the first switch isdeactivated, the computing device instructs the second actuation whenthe first sensor is disengaged and ceases the second actuation when thefirst sensor is engaged.
 2. The control system of claim 1 furthercomprising an indication device communicatively coupled with thecomputing device and configured to provide an indicator to the operatorof the terrain working vehicle.
 3. The control system of claim 2,wherein, when the first sensor is disengaged, the indication deviceprovides the indicator.
 4. The control system of claim 3 furthercomprising a third sensor communicatively coupled with the computingdevice and engaged when the operator is seated in the terrain workingvehicle.
 5. The control system of claim 4, wherein, when the thirdsensor is disengaged, the computing device ceases the first and secondactuations.
 6. The control system of claim 5 further comprising a secondinput device communicatively coupled with the computing device andengaged while a second switch associated with the second input device isactivated by the operator.
 7. The control system of claim 6, wherein,while the second switch is deactivated, the control system is disabled.8. The control system of claim 7 further comprising a third input devicecommunicatively coupled with the computing device and engaged while athird switch associated with the third input device is activated by theoperator.
 9. The control system of claim 8, wherein, while the thirdswitch is activated, the terrain working vehicle is energized.
 10. Thecontrol system of claim 9, wherein, while the third switch isdeactivated, the terrain working vehicle is unenergized and the controlsystem is disabled.
 11. A terrain working vehicle comprising: anoperator protection apparatus mechanically connected to the terrainworking vehicle and moveable to and between a raised position and alowered position; at least one actuator operably coupled to the operatorprotection apparatus and configured to move the operator protectionapparatus to and between the raised position and the lowered position; acomputing device coupled proximate a frame of the terrain workingvehicle and communicatively coupled to the at least one actuator, thecomputing device configured to instruct one or more operations of theterrain working vehicle based on sensor data, one or more inputs, orboth received by the computing device; a first sensor coupled proximatethe operator protection apparatus and communicatively coupled with thecomputing device, the first sensor configured to be engaged when theoperator protection apparatus is in the raised position; a second sensorcoupled proximate the operator protection apparatus and communicativelycoupled with the computing device, the second sensor configured to beengaged when the operator protection apparatus is in lowered position;and a first input device coupled proximate a seat of the terrain workingvehicle and communicatively coupled with the computing device, the firstinput device configured to be engaged while a first switch associatedwith the first input device is activated and to be disengaged while thefirst switch is deactivated.
 12. The terrain working vehicle of claim11, wherein, while the first switch is activated, the first input devicecommunicates a first input to the computing device and wherein, whilethe first input is being received, the computing device instructs the atleast one actuator to move the operator protection apparatus in alowered direction when the second sensor is disengaged and ceases toinstruct the at least one actuator when the second sensor is engaged.13. The terrain working vehicle of claim 12, wherein, while the firstswitch is deactivated, the first input device ceases communicating thefirst input to the computing device and wherein, while the first inputis absent, the computing device instructs the at least one actuator tomove the operator protection apparatus in a raised direction when thefirst sensor is disengaged and ceases to instruct the at least oneactuator when the first sensor is engaged.
 14. The terrain workingvehicle of claim 13 further comprising a third sensor coupled proximatea seat of the terrain working vehicle and communicatively coupled withthe computing device, the third sensor configured to be engaged when theoperator is seated in the terrain working vehicle.
 15. The terrainworking vehicle of claim 14 further comprising an indication devicecommunicatively coupled with the computing device, the indication deviceconfigured to provide an indicator, wherein, when the first sensor isdisengaged, the indication device provides the indicator.
 16. Theterrain working vehicle of claim 15, wherein the first switch comprisesa pedal coupled to a floor of the terrain working vehicle, wherein,while the pedal is depressed towards the floor, the first switch isactivated, and wherein, while the pedal is undepressed, the first switchis deactivated.
 17. A method for controlling one or more operations of aterrain working vehicle having an operator protection apparatus, themethod comprising: communicating, to a computing device, activation of acontrol switch and engagement of an upper sensor and a lower sensor;determining the control switch is activated; upon determination that thecontrol switch is activated, initiating a lowering actuation sequencecomprising: the computing device instructing an actuator to move theoperator protection apparatus in a down direction while the controlswitch is activated and when the lower sensor is disengaged, thecomputing device ceasing instructing the actuator to move the operatorprotection apparatus in the down direction while the control switch isactivated and when the lower sensor is engaged, and providing anindicator when the upper sensor is disengaged, determining the controlswitch is deactivated; and upon determination that the control switch isdeactivated, initiating a raising actuation sequence comprising: thecomputing device instructing the actuator to move the operatorprotection apparatus in an up direction while the control switch isdeactivated and when the upper sensor is disengaged, the computingdevice ceasing instructing the actuator to move the operator protectionapparatus in the up direction while the control switch is deactivatedand when the upper sensor is engaged, and providing the indicator whenthe upper sensor is disengaged and ceasing providing the indicator whenthe upper sensor is engaged.
 18. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising: communicating, to the computing device, energization of theterrain working vehicle, engagement of a seat sensor, and activation ofan operation switch; and when the terrain working vehicle isunenergized, disabling the computing device from instructing theactuator to move the operator protection apparatus.
 19. The method ofclaim 18 further comprising: determining the terrain working vehicle isenergized; determining the seat sensor is disengaged; and upondetermination that the seat sensor is disengaged, providing theindicator when the upper sensor is disengaged and disabling thecomputing device from instructing the actuator to move the operatorprotection apparatus.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:determining the seat sensor is engaged; determining the operation switchis deactivated; and upon determination that the operation switch isdeactivated, providing the indicator when the upper sensor is disengagedand disabling the computing device from instructing the actuator to movethe operator protection apparatus.